ANKARA EAC MEETING 12/7/2005

S E C R E T ANKARA 007200

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/EUR, DS/DSS/ITA, EUR/EX, EUR/SE,

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/08/2015
TAGS: ASEC AMGT AMED CASC PTER TU
SUBJECT: ANKARA EAC MEETING 12/7/2005

Classified By: Classified by DCM Nancy McEldowney; Reason 1.4 (c,d,g)


1. (U) Ambassador Wilson chaired the Emergency Action
Committee (EAC) on 12/7/05 to discuss the mission's emergency
preparedness. In attendance were representatives from each
of the following sections/agencies: RSO, MGT, RMO, IMO, CON,
DAO, POL, PAS, MSG, ECON, DEA, FBI, PMA, RAO, TSR, CLO, ODC,
AFOSI, DET 1.


2. (SBU) Ambassador directed EAC discussion on three
topics: Post contingency plans; threat profile; Avian
Influenza (AI). EAC members summarized recent emergency
preparedness measures taken by post, to include drills,
contingency planning seminar, new alternate command post, and
status of earthquake preparedness. The discussion concluded
with several members offering suggestions that would enhance
emergency preparedness, including closer coordination with
the US Military facility at Incirlik and a mission-wide
contingency exercise. These will be followed up on. RSO
advised that the EAP update is due and will be coordinated
with DS/SPC using the new web-based CEPA.


3. (S) RSO and RAO described the threat profile. While
reporting of both indigenous and transnational terrorist
activity is somewhat high, none is specifically targeting USG
assets. It was noted that Kongra-Gel (PKK) has momentum and
has the capacity to continue terrorist operations thru the
winter, including in urban areas, if it so chooses.
Additionally, there exists the potential that the PKK could
move their targeting towards USG assets if the program to
assist the Turkish Government in combatting PKK is
successful. The increased transit thru Turkey of terrorists,
now referred to as the Foreign Fighter Pipeline, was
mentioned as well. RSO reminded members not to become
complacent about security in this high threat environment,
and to regularly discuss personal security with their EFMs.


4. (SBU) ECON summarized events during the
previously-reported outbreak of AI in Turkey, and MGT and MED
summarized post's preparations in the event of an AI
pandemic. It was noted that important contacts were made
during the outbreak which will be useful in the future.


5. (U) Meeting concluded with Ambassador thanking members
for their participation and encouraging continous emergency
preparedness planning.


WILSON