REPLY TO PROPOSAL TO ANALYZE LEU SEIZED IN ISTANBUL

S E C R E T ANKARA 006258

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR ISN/PTR MICHAEL CURRY

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/14/2015
TAGS: AU KNNP PARM RS TU
SUBJECT: REPLY TO PROPOSAL TO ANALYZE LEU SEIZED IN ISTANBUL

REF: A. STATE 181017

B. ANKARA 6248

Classified By: Acting Pol-Mil Counselor Margaret Nardi, reason 1.4 b/d.


1. (C) Summary: The Government of Turkey is willing to
support a visit of U.S. experts to review previous tests
conducted by the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority and other
evidence seized in a police sting operation in Istanbul.
Turkey is also conceptually willing to participate in the
joint forensic analysis of the uranium powder. However,
before a sample can be provided to the United States for
testing, concerns about the legal aspects of providing
evidence in an active Turkish judicial case must be answered.
Once these issue are resolved, a transfer of a small
quantity of the uranium powder to the U.S. should be
possible. End Summary.


2. (S) U/S Joseph, during his recent visit to Ankara (ref b),
informed Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) President
Okay Cakiroglu of the U.S.'s desire to participate in joint
forensic testing of uranium powder seized in an August 18
police sting operation in Istanbul. Cakiroglu stated that
Turkey has followed all steps to properly report the seizure
to IAEA and protect the uranium powder. TAEK is willing to
allow U.S. experts to come to Turkey to review the tests that
have been conducted and also to participate with Turkish
experts in additional testing. Cakiroglu supports sharing a
sample of the powder with the U.S. for additional testing as
long as it is done in compliance with all IAEA procedures.


3. (C) Acting Pol-Mil Counselor and EXBS Advisor met with
MFA Head of Department for Arms Control and Disarmament Osman
Yavuzalp on October 6 to discuss the U.S. desire for joint
forensic testing of the uranium. Yavuzalp stated that the
GOT would support a visit of U.S. experts to review the tests
conducted by TAEK and to inspect the items that were seized
during the arrest. Yavuzalp added that while he believes
that GOT would also support a joint analysis, the uranium
powder is currently part of the evidence of a crime and thus
coordination with the prosecutor's office must be
accomplished to determine if some of the powder could be
released for testing. Yavuzalp also re-enforced the need to
follow established international procedures for the transfer
of the powder to the U.S. for testing. Finally, Yavuzalp
requested more information on the amount of powder needed for
testing and the time frame in which the U.S. would like to
make this transfer.


4. (C) EXBS Advisor informed Yavuzalp, on October 13, that
the amount of uranium powder needed for testing is
approximately one gram and reinforced with Yavuzalp that all
appropriate IAEA steps would be followed to properly document
this transfer. Yavuzalp appreciated the additional
information and stated this would be useful in the
coordination between MFA, TAEK and the prosecutor's office in
preparation of a response to the U.S. proposal.


5. (U) Questions concerning this issue should be addressed
to the Turkish EXBS Advisor, Kevin Lyon. His contact
information is phone (90)(312)455-5555 ext 2525, fax
(90)(312)468-4775, email LyonK@state.gov.
MCELDOWNEY