NOV. 9-10 HIGH LEVEL DEFENSE GROUP MEETING WITH

S E C R E T ANKARA 007592 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/SE AND EUR/RPM E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/21/2015 TAGS: MARR MASS PREL PARM TU US IZ AF SUBJECT: NOV. 9-10 HIGH LEVEL DEFENSE GROUP MEETING WITH TURKEY A POSITIVE STEP FORWARD REF: ANKARA 6846 Classified By: DCM Nancy McEldowney, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: In the first High Level Defense Group (HLDG) meeting with Turkey in two years, the US side emphasized recent concrete US actions to assist Turkey in its efforts against the PKK terrorist organization and underscored the need for Turkey to publicly recognize the US role. The Turks agreed to acknowledge publicly that the US is helping Turkey on the PKK, but behind closed doors both TGS and MFA officials made clear their belief that US efforts on the PKK have not gone far enough. In the Political Military Working Group (PMWG) Turkey outlined plans for its first PSI exercise and asked the US to encourage Bulgaria and Romania to participate in Turkey's Operation Black Sea Harmony. The US emphasized the need for NATO's transformation to meet new security realities and for new NATO partnerships to support its goals. The US also highlighted the regional missile threat. Turkey said it was ready to sign a draft amendment to the bilateral missile defense agreement, and Assistant Secretary of Defense Flory and Turkish Air Force Commander SIPDIS General Comert signed a framework space agreement that will launch a working group process on space cooperation. END SUMMARY. SHARED SECURITY CONCERNS -------------- ¶2. (C) Deputy Chief of the Turkish General Staff (DCHOD) General Isik Kosaner opened the HLDG by noting the important changes in the regional and global security environment, Turkey's security strategy and the need for new ideas to meet the changing security environment. He said Turkey's security concerns coincide with those of the US and that Iraq and Afghanistan are of particular concern. Kosaner said Turkey wants to modernize its defense systems with new technologies to meet the changing security challenges. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy Peter SIPDIS Flory pointed to the historical strength of the bilateral relationship and our shared interests across a wide range of issues. He welcomed the HLDG as an opportunity to reconfirm the value of the relationship and to reinvigorate the bilateral dialogue. TURKEY'S CONTINUED CONTRIBUTIONS TO AFGHANISTAN -------------- -- �0A;¶3. (C) TGS outlined in the HLDG plenary session Turkey's continued support for NATO's ISAF mission following its command of ISAF VII. Turkey will contribute 17% of the personnel and budget -- as well as supply communication equipment -- when SEEBRIG contributes an HQ element to ISAF the first half of 2006. The two sides discussed OEF/ISAF synergy. The Turkish MFA representative stressed the need to keep the mandates of the two missions separate. ASD Flory said popular perceptions of the two missions would be based more on their activities and effectiveness. He also noted that ISAF's ROE must become more robust as that force moves into the south. ¶4. (C) The Turkish side said that Turkey and France had agreed on Oct 21 to arrangements to share the Capital Region Command beginning in summer 2006, including mission size, force structure and financial sharing arrangements. France will be in command first. Turkey will provide an infantry battalion as well as combat support and combat service support personnel. (Comment: MFA has informed us that the Italians subsequently expressed an interest in sharing command responsibilities with Turkey and France). PKK AND KIRKUK - TURKEY'S TWO CONCERNS IN IRAQ -------------- - ¶5. (C) DCHOD noted the importance to Turkey of the security situation in/political unity of Iraq. In his view, Iraq provides a test case for US and allied efforts in the broader Middle East. Turkey's two concerns in Iraq are the PKK and Kirkuk, especially PKK terrorist attacks emanating from Iraq. Kosaner said Turkey's number one expectation is the disbandment of the PKK in Iraq. Kosaner called Kirkuk a likely new crisis area given the current situation. He reiterated Turkey's position that all natural resources in Iraq must belong to the whole country and warned that hostilities in Kirkuk could drag the entire region "into chaos." Kosaner called for international observers from the UN and the OSCE to monitor the December 2005 elections in sensitive areas like Kirkuk, saying that this should not be left to "one ethnic group." ¶6. (C) Turning to the constitution, Kosaner expressed concerns on the issues that had been left for Parliamentary decision, as well as the extensive authority given to the regional governments. Kosaner said the key issues are: the territorial integrity of Iraq; the definition of the federal structure; the incorporation of Islamic law; the status of Kirkuk, the disbandment of militias, the management of natural resources and the elimination of the PKK presence in northern Iraq. ¶7. (C) Kosaner raised questions about the security situation in Talafar and asked for US security round-trip for the aid trucks preparing to deliver assistance there. (Note: The Turkish Red Crescent, on advice from the Iraqi Red Crescent, subsequently declined our security escorts.) PKK --- ¶8. (S) (Note: Because of the sensitivity of the topic, the Turks wanted the PKK discussions to take place in a restricted session.) EUCOM updated the TGS on the status of its assistance offers. CENTCOM Deputy Policy Planning Chief BG Mark Kimmitt outlined various steps that the USG and Iraq might be able to take, both before and after December elections in Iraq, against the PKK. Kimmitt emphasized CENTCOM's view that the emphasis after the elections should be on bilateral solutions between the GOI and GOT. ¶9. (S) TGS J3 LTG Bekir Kalyoncu responded that US-TU intelligence sharing has been a "success story," but claimed that other U.S. initiatives were still only "at the conceptual stage." Since EUCOM CDR Gen Jones and then-CENTCOM D/CDR Lt. Gen. Smith visited Ankara Sept. 9, there have been 233 incidents in Turkey involving the PKK, with 31 dead and 111 wounded. We need concrete results now, Kalyoncu emphasized. MFA Director General for Security Affairs Amb. Hayati Guven and DG for the Americas Amb. Selahattin Alpar both emphasized the negative effects of the PKK problem on U.S.-Turkish relations. Guven cited a recent Turkish press story which claimed that the PKK is in fact under U.S. control. ¶10. (S) ASD Flory emphasized that the U.S. understands the toll that the PKK takes on Turkey, and that to say that the U.S. is passive in the face of this problem is dead wrong. The U.S. has been Turkey's strongest ally against the PKK, and has increased its support in recent months. The GOT needs to tell this story to the Turkish people. The U.S. is spending billions of dollars a month and has lost over 2000 dead in Iraq. Getting Iraq right is job one, and no country -- except Iraq itself -- will benefit more from success in Iraq than Turkey will. We have to look at the PKK issue in this context. The ITG is not yet capable of handling the PKK issue on its own. ¶11. (S) The Charge took strong issue with Kalyoncu's statement that U.S. efforts are only at the conceptual stage. We have taken concrete action in Europe (demarching European governments),in Turkey (providing intelligence),and in Iraq (by addressing the issue with ITG and doing surveillance flights over PKK camps there). We have taken resources we need elsewhere and put them toward the PKK. BG Kimmitt added that U.S. commanders in Iraq have concluded that taking kinetic action against the PKK would be destabilizing at this time, but added that the question is not whether to take action versus the PKK, but when. After the session, Kosaner and TGS/J3 LTG Guner both told the Charge privately that they did not agree with Kalyoncu's characterization of U.S. efforts, which they saw as concrete and positive. PMWG: PSI, BLACK SEA, MD, NATO AND EXCHANGES -------------- ¶12. (SBU) A PSI First: TGS briefed its plans for a March 2006 Proliferation Security Initiative exercise incorporating air, sea and land components, a first in the PSI framework. The Turks expressed appreciation for the US and French commitments to participate and said they believed other nations would commit to the exercise at the PSI Operational Experts Group meeting in Hamburg Nov. 24-25. ¶13. (C) Turkey: Black Sea For Littorals Only, For Now: TGS outlined the mission and achievements of Operation Black Sea Harmony (goal: maritime security and deterrence) and BLACKSEAFOR (goal: littoral training on SAR, Humanitarian Assistance, WMD and illicit trafficking interdiction, environment accident assistance and more). Turkey's goal is to make OBSH multinational (note: littoral countries only at this point, although it shares information with NATO) and to transfer its responsibilities to BLACKSEAFOR. Turkey looks to NATO for encouragement of littoral cooperation with OBSH. ¶14. (C) Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Dan Fata, the US PMWG Chair, noted the opportunity for constructive cooperation by littorals and other countries in the Black Sea if they add value. The US policy on the Black Sea is under development but the core principles will be transparency and multilateral engagement. MFA Head of Department for NATO Ihsan Kiziltan outlined the three pillars of Turkey's policy on the Black Sea as follows: A) Scope of risks/threats: Turkey sees fewer risks in the Black Sea than the Mediterranean and other seas. B) Littoral Maritime Capabilities: The littorals can cope with the existing maritime threats in the Black Sea. However, if that changes, Turkey would welcome NATO and other assistance. C) Coordinated Littoral Position: Turkey views Russia as an important player in the Black Sea that must be engaged. Turkey does not want to antagonize or isolate any of the littorals. Given that, Kiziltan added, Turkey doesn't oppose US or other party participation in the Black Sea if other littorals agree and if the Montreux Convention is respected. TGS added that Turkey looks to the US to encourage Bulgaria and Romania to join OBSH. ¶15. (S) Missile Defense Cooperation: The US side thanked Turkey for the opportunity to analyze the errant Syrian test missile that fell in Turkey earlier this year, and summarized the findings to date, including the previously-unknown advances in Syrian missile technology. The US provided an update on its evaluation of a long range missile interceptor site in Europe, possibly in Turkey, and both sides renewed their commitment to sign an amendment to the bilateral missile defense agreement which would allow a sensor placement study in Turkey. The US looks to Turkey to encourage NATO to consider a missile defense program that takes domestic populations and territory, not just NATO military sites, into consideration. ¶16. (C) NATO Transformation: DASD Fata outlined President Bush's proposal for separate summits to address NATO transformation and enlargement/partnership, and noted the importance of a NATO Readiness Force (NRF) that can quickly respond to crises. He asked for Turkey's support for the US proposal on NATO transformation. MG Serdar Savas, the Turkish PMWG Chair, provided Turkey's views on NATO reform. In Turkey's view, a transparent process is critical and the principle of consensus is "sacred." Turkey views the NRF as the "flagship for transformation" and said it is incumbent on Allies to make it a success and to meet the October 2006 reform target. ¶17. (U) Exchanges: TGS announced its support for the establishment of a bilateral "Colonels' Exchange Program under the following guidelines: A.) Change the name to "Officers' Exchange Program" in order to allow the exchange of Lieutenant Colonels/Commanders as well as 0-6s. B.) The exchanges will occur every six months for two weeks. C.) The host country will be responsible for lodging and in-country transport, the sending country for international transportation and personal expenses. OSD representatives agreed to the name change but said that the program duration, frequency and financial parameters would need to be evaluated before the US could commit. DASD Fata agreed to take under consideration a previous TGS suggestion for the establishment of an Army Working Group as part of the HLDG to discuss modernization, transformation, communication, joint training and education, but raised questions about a working group devoted to just one service. (Note: MG Savas confided to us later that TGS is not enthusiastic about this Land Forces' proposal.) PMWG ACTION ITEMS -------------- ¶18. (C) Following are the action items for follow-up that the Mission took from these discussions. TGS has requested that the Embassy submit a complete USG list of action items for TGS concurrence. For the US: - Evaluate TU proposal for Officers' Exchange Program - Evaluate TU proposal for an Army Working Group as part of the HLDG - Consider TU request to press Bulgaria and Romania to join OBSH - Indicate US readiness to sign the MD MOU amendment - Share US Black Sea strategy with Turkey For Turkey: - Evaluate US request to support US NATO transformation proposal - Evaluate US request to urge NATO to include domestic populations and territory in its MD concept For Both: - Identify a time frame for a PMWG meeting in spring 2006. SCWG MEETING UNCONTENTIOUS -------------- ¶19. (SBU) Defense Security Cooperation Agency Director Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kohler led the U.S. delegation for the Nov. 9 U.S.-Turkey Security Cooperation Working Group (SCWG) session of the High Level Defense Group. Lt. Gen. Kohler and his Turkish counterpart, Brigadier General Ali Akdogan, discussed a wide range of security cooperation issues. Kohler and Akdogan signed an action item document (text in para. 21) and agreed to hold a SCWG meeting in early 2006. ¶20. (SBU) Highlights of the meeting included: -- TGS has been unable to provide documentation showing how it obtained excess U.S.-origin equipment in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, thus making it impossible for the USG to grant Turkish requests to dispose of the materiel. The U.S. side entered into the record a letter from the State Department reaffirming that without certain information about the items from the Turks, the USG is unable to grant the Turks' request. Lt. Gen. Kohler assured the Turks that they are not alone with this problem; he suggested that a team of U.S. experts might be able to come to Turkey to assist the TGS to identify the items in question and to come up with a best estimate of the information the U.S. requires. Additionally, the U.S. side recommended that the Turks prioritize the equipment to be disposed of and concentrate on documenting these items as much as possible. --The U.S. side agreed to consider Turkish industry for supply of equipment for Georgian troops, subject to "buy American" restrictions. --The U.S. side said that the Export-Import Bank was still considering whether to extend the facility associated with the Sikorsky Seahawk project, but also noted that congressional support was needed. Lt. Gen. Kohler agreed to keep the Turks informed of the status of this request. --The U.S. side passed the signed copy of the Stinger Letter of Offer and Acceptance. --The U.S. side told Turkey that more specific information was required in order to make a decision on SSM's request for Technical Data Transfer of the Automatic Vertical Navigation System (VNAV) and Doppler Radar Interface Control. The U.S. sided noted that the previous request was too broad. --Turkey provided its forecast of FMF and IMET fund usage. ¶21. (SBU) Following is the agreed text of action items resulting from the U.S.-Turkey SCWG (note internal paragraph numbering): BEGIN TEXT Action Items of the Security Cooperation Working Group (SCWG) 9 November 2005 The U.S.-Turkey Security Cooperation Working Group (SCWG) met in Ankara, Turkey, 9 November, 2005 and reaffirmed the bilateral commitment to maintain a strong and strategic defense partnership, to maintain regional security and consultations on security issues affecting both Turkey and the United States (US). The following are agreed action items: ¶1. The GOT and USG agreed ODC and the Embassy will work with TGS and assist TGS in preparing the resubmitting a prioritized request for approval to dispose of obsolete U.S. Grant Equipment. The USG advised the GOT that the critical information for a decision to be made is the method of acquisition, original acquisition cost and the intended disposal method. If the information is not a matter of the record the GOT agreed to provide a best estimate and supporting rationale. A copy of the USG formal reply to the original GOT 5 May 2005 request on this topic was provided and is attached as part of the record. ¶2. In the event that U.S. companies cannot provide materiel procured for Georgia using U.S. funds, it was agreed that the USG would consider Turkish companies as a supply source. The issue of interoperability, training and maintenance was considered to be an issue for the Caucasus Working Group and not a SCWG issue, since the SCWG primarily deals with procurement and security assistance. ¶3. USG advised the GOT that the extension request of the Export-Import Bank facility for the Sikorsky Seahawk project was still being considered. The USG is very supportive of the request but cannot give an answer at this time. USG shall closely monitor the status with the Export-Import Bank and advise the GOT as soon as a decision is made. ¶4. The USG advised the GOT that more information is required to make a decision on the previous request by SSM for Technical Data Transfer of the Automatic Vertical Navigation System (VNAV) and Doppler Radar Interface Control for the upgrade of UH-60s to SOF-capability. GOT agreed to submit further details on what is requested and required. It was agreed that SSM and ODC would coordinate to determine specific information required by the U.S. Army. It is preferable, and may be required, that the request be submitted in a Letter of Request format. ¶5. The USG advised the GOT that a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) is available for Turkey's Stinger Letter of Request and will be forwarded. SSM will review the LOA in coordination with ODC and respond. Action Item is considered closed. ¶6. At the request of the USG, the GOT provided a brief on the use of FMF and IMET funds and discussed acquisition priorities. ODC and TGS agreed to continue to coordinate on this topic. CAUCASUS WORKING GROUP CONCLUSIONS -------------- ¶22. (C/REL TU) The Caucasus Working Group met Nov. 8 and presented the following text of agreed conclusions to the HLDG on Nov. 9 (full readout of CWG reftel): BEGIN TEXT ¶I. Agreed Subjects: The U.S. and Turkey reaffirm importance of our bilateral cooperation in the CWG. --Both countries continue to have mutual interests and complementary policies in the Caucasus. -Important that Caucasus militaries continue to develop along Western lines. --Democratization in the Caucasus countries, development of free market economies, and respect of human rights are of great importance. II. Information Exchanged on: Problem areas causing instability and/or impeding regional cooperation: --South Ossetia, Abkhazia --Nagorno-Karabakh --Russian role in Caucasus. The U.S. Caspian Guard Initiative. U.S. security cooperation programs in the Caucasus. Turkish security cooperation programs in the Caucasus. III. Issues To Be Examined: Improve processes for coordinating cooperation. Coordinate security assistance, including equipment transfer, in order to avoid duplication and follow-on maintenance problems/costs. Turkey's participation in the South Caucasus Clearinghouse. Turkish participation in Nasosnaya airbase upgrade. END TEXT DEFENSE SPACE AGREEMENT SIGNED -------------- ¶23. (U) At a Nov. 9 ceremony on the margins of the HLDG, ASD Flory and Turkish Air Forces Commander General H. Faruk Comert signed at the Turkish Air Forces Headquarters a framework agreement for defense space cooperation. This agreement provides for the establishment of working groups to identify and develop cooperative projects in the space defense arena, an area of growing Turkish military interest. Following the signing, Ankara and Washington-based US officials met with Turkish Air Force representatives to lay out a proposed course of action for the establishment of an initial space cooperation working group. HLDG PARTICIPANT LIST -------------- ¶24. (U) U.S. Principals: Peter Flory, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security, HLDG Chair Charge d'Affaires Nancy McEldowney Lieutenant General Jeffrey Kohler, Defense Security Cooperation Agency Chief, SCWG Chair Lieutenant General Colby Broadwater, EUCOM Chief of Staff Dan Fata, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy, PMWG Chair Major General Peter Sutton, Office of Defense Cooperation Chief, Ankara Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt, CENTCOM Deputy Policy Planning Chief Scott Schless, OSD Principal Director for Eurasian Affairs Tim Betts, Embassy Ankara Political-Military Counselor Turkish Principals: General Isik Kosaner, Deputy Chief of the General Staff (DCHOD),HLDG Chair Lieutenant General Aslan Guner, TGS J-2 Division Chief Lieutenant General Bekir Kalyoncu, TGS J-3 Division Chief Lieutenant General Akin Zorlu, TGS J-5 Division Chief Major General Mehmet Eroz, TGS J-3 Plans and Operations Department Chief Major General Ismail Serdar Savas, TGS J-5 Strategy Department Chief, PMWG Chair Brigadier General Ali Akdogan, TGS J-5 Defense Planning and Resource Management Department Chief, SCWG Chair Brigadier General Tuncer Erinmezler, TGS J-5 Disarmament and International Security Department Chief Brigadier General Fikret Salih Tolunguc, TGS J-3 International Security Operations Chief ¶25. (U) ASD Flory cleared this cable. WILSON