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