UPDATE: U.S. PROPOSAL TO ANALYZE LEU SEIZED IN

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 007157

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR ISN/PTR MICHAEL CURRY

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/02/2015
TAGS: AU KNNP PARM RS TU
SUBJECT: UPDATE: U.S. PROPOSAL TO ANALYZE LEU SEIZED IN
ISTANBUL

REF: A. STATE 181017

B. ANKARA 6248

C. ANKARA 6258

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Nancy McEldowney, reason 1.4 b/d
.


1. (U) This is an Action Cable. See para 7.


2. (C) Summary: The Government of Turkey is still willing
to support and is awaiting further information concerning a
possible visit by 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.
However, Turkish law precludes the providing of a sample of
the uranium powder for joint analysis until the legal
proceedings against the accused have been completed. End
Summary.


3. (C) This cable is an update to information previously
reported concerning the joint analysis of uranium powder that
was seized during a Turkish National Police sting operation
in Istanbul in August 2005 (ref c).


4. (C) MFA Arms Control and Disarmament First Secretary
Guven Begec on 23 November told EXBS Advisor that since
charges had already been filed against the accused and that
the uranium powder has been listed as evidence in the case,
it is against Turkish law to remove any of the powder. Begec
added that it may be possible to provide a sample of the
powder to the U.S. for testing following the completion of
the legal process. (Comment: EXBS Advisor requested
information concerning the court and trial dates, which
should allow Post to follow the court proceedings.)


5. (U) We confirmed the information concerning criminal
evidence with a contact at the Ministry of Justice. This
source said that once charges have been filed and evidence
has been listed, there are only rare cases when the evidence
listed can be changed without itbeing considered evidence
tampering and therefore harmful to the prosecution's case.


6. (U) EXBS Advisor during a meeting with Turkish Atomic
Energy Authority Safety Department Head, Aysel Yucel was
questioned concerning the possible visit by a U.S. expert
team to review the Turkish tests and other evidence. EXBS
Advisor responded that the U.S. is determining the best time
frame to propose a visit and should have possible dates soon.


7. (C) Action Request: Embassy requests update on possible
visit of U.S. experts to review completed Turkish tests.


8. (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.

WILSON