UNCLAS ANKARA 006733

SIPDIS

DEPT PASS IO/T FOR LTOBEY
LONDON PASS EST FOR TREVOR EVANS
COAST GUARD FOR G-CI KJOHNSON

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EWWT AORC PHSA KTIA IMO TR
SUBJECT: QUID PRO QUO: TURKEY ALSO SEEKS SUPPORT FOR
IMO CANDIDATE

Ref: A) STATE 207080 B) STATE 171872 C) ANKARA 6308


1. This message contains an action request in para 4.


2. GOT MFA contacted us on November 14 to request USG
support for their Category C candidate in the upcoming
IMO elections. Per ref A, Econoff informed the GOT of
the US's Category A candidate and requested GOT support.
MFA attache in the Maritime and Aviation Affairs
Department Murat Ugurluoglu suggested a reciprocal
arrangement in which the U.S. supports Turkey's
reelection and Turkey does the same for the US. Econoff
agreed to send this proposal back to Washington for
consideration but added that the embassy could not make
commitments on behalf of the US IMO delegation and asked
that Ugurluoglu ensure that Turkey's embassy in
Washington approach the department with its request.


3. Comment: The GOT has traditionally supported U.S.
positions in the IMO. Most recently the Department
asked post to thank the GOT for its support (ref B), to
which MFA Head of the Maritime Department Basat Ozturk
pledged to continue (ref C). Understanding Washington's
probable reluctance to link the two candidacies (which
was more likely some quick thinking on the part of the
MFA officer rather than GOT policy), it would be a good
thing from our point of view if the U.S. could support
Turkey. Post requests Department's guidance.

McEldowney