CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION (CWC): TURKEY REQUESTS

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 006339

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SE AND ISN/CB

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/20/2015
TAGS: PARM MARR KTIA TU GR CWC
SUBJECT: CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION (CWC): TURKEY REQUESTS
DELAY IN CONSULTATIONS

REF: STATE 190144

Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission James R. Moore, reasons 1
.4 (b) and (d).


1. Acting PolMilCouns delivered to Turkish MFA Arms Control
and Disarmament Office Director Osman Yavuzalp on Oct. 20
reftel talking points and request for a meeting with Turkish
experts on the margins of the CWC 10th Conference of the
States Parties to discuss the draft agreement on challenge
inspections. Yavuzalp reported that all relevant MFA offices
have reviewed the draft and come to a consensus on the way
forward but that Turkish General Staff (TGS) input is also
required before the GOT can provide us with a response.
According to Yavuzalp, the relevant TGS general staff are out
of the country until Oct. 27 and the MFA has requested TGS
input by Nov. 7.


2. Yavuzalp declined the invitation to meet on the margins
of the Nov. 7-11 conference on behalf of MFA Deputy Director
General Bulent Meric, who will represent Turkey. In
Yavuzalp's words, Meric considers it premature to meet before
TGS has weighed in and would prefer to delay bilateral
consultations on the agreement until after the MFA has had
time to review the TGS input and determine if there are any
inconsistencies between their positions (Note: He did not
anticipate any significant difference in view. End Note).
MCELDOWNEY