CESIUM 137 CONFISCATED AT THE TURKISH/GEORGIAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 000779 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/26/2015 TAGS: AM ASEC KCRM MNUC PARM PINR PTER TU SUBJECT: CESIUM 137 CONFISCATED AT THE TURKISH/GEORGIAN BORDER REF: A. YEREVAN 131 ¶B. YEREVAN 154 Classified By: Pol-Mil Counselor Timothy Betts, reason 1.4 b/d. ¶1. (C) EXBS Advisor met with Department Head for Customs Enforcement Ender Gurleyik on January 28, 2005 to request information concerning the truck parked between Georgian and Turkish customs gates (reftels). Gurleyik confirmed that the truck carrying scrap metal set off the portal monitors at the Turkey/Georgia Sarp Border Gate on December 16, 2004. The truck was stopped and a detailed inspection was conducted. It was determined that some of the scrap metal had been exposed to Cesium 137. The truck was not allowed to enter Turkey and was directed to a secure parking area. The Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) was notified. ¶2. (SBU) EXBS Advisor met again with Gurleyik on February 8. Gurleyik informed EXBS Advisor that Customs was waiting for further instruction from TAEK on what to do with the truck. Gurleyik did confirm that the truck is still in the secure parking area. ¶3. (U) Comment: We will follow up with TAEK Nuclear Safety Department to determine what past and future action TAEK intends to take. EDELMAN