TURKISH BUSINESSMAN OFFERS 1.2 MILLION BOTTLES

UNCLAS ANKARA 005193

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR HURRICANE KATRINA TASK FORCE
DEPT PLEASE PASS DHS FOR FEMA/OIA


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR EAID PREL TU
SUBJECT: TURKISH BUSINESSMAN OFFERS 1.2 MILLION BOTTLES
OF WATER TO RELIEF EFFORT

Ref: (A) STATE 163278 (B) STATE 163729 (C) STATE 163366


1. This is an action cable. Please see para 6.


2. Summary: Turkish businessman Hasan Akincioglu has
offered 1.2 million bottles of US Army VETCOM approved
water to the relief efforts. Akincioglu has worked for
35 years with the US military stationed at Incirlik Air
Force Base in Adana. He requested assistance from the
USG in transporting the cargo to the US. If it is
possible to load this cargo on the empty planes
returning daily from Incirlik, or if sea transport can
be arranged, this is a golden opportunity to help those
in need. End Summary.


3. On September 5, Turkish businessman Hasan Akincioglu
offered to donate 100,000 cases (1.2 million bottles) of
US Army VETCOM approved drinking water to relief
efforts. He has worked for 35 years with the US military
stationed in Turkey and is experienced in moving large
amounts of cargo. The water is located in Adana near
the Incirlik base.


4. Akincioglu requested assistance in transporting the
cargo from Adana to the US. He suggested the military
aircraft that regularly fly in and out of Incirlik.


5. Comment: According to DAO, Akincioglu is a trusted
and experienced supplier who has worked with the US
military in Turkey for many years. If it is possible to
load this water, which is already located at Incirlik,
onto the empty planes that return daily from Incirlik to
the US, or to find a way to transport the cargo by sea,
this could be a golden opportunity to assist those in
need. End comment.


6. Action Request: Post requests Department guidance
regarding this offer. Point of contact is Disaster
Management Officer Rebecca Patrick (x.2255).
MCELDOWNEY