S E C R E T BAGHDAD 002401

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/05/2015
TAGS: PHUM PINS PTER TU XF
SUBJECT: TURKISH EXTRADITION REQUEST FOR MNF-I DETAINEES


Classified By: Classified by Political-Military Counselor
Ronald E. Neumann for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (S) Summary: Post has been informed that the
Government of Turkey wishes to extradite two security
internees held by MNF-I inside Iraq, based on GOT
suspicion of their involvement in terrorist bombings
in Istanbul. MNF-I is willing to transfer these
detainees to Iraqi custody to permit an Iraqi
extradition to Turkey; the ITG's views are unknown.
The steps described in paras 5-6 seem, in Post's view,
to be the most efficient route to extradition should
the ITG be willing to accede to the Turkish request.
End Summary.


2. (S) Post and MNF-I have been informed that the GOT
is seeking the extradition to Turkey of two detainees
held by MNF-I inside Iraq, both suspected of criminal
involvement in bombing attacks in Istanbul:

BURHAN KUS (ISN 166308), aka Burhan Jilal Hussein, DOB
January 1, 1972, Turkish national;

SADETTIN ADKAS (ISN 16670), aka Mustafa abd Hamad, DOB
July 1, 1989, Turkish national.


3. (SBU) As a practical matter, both MNF-I and Iraqi
concurrence is required for an extradition. MNF-I has
no objection to transferring custody of these
detainees to the ITG should the ITG wish to accede to
a Turkish extradition request.


4. (SBU) We understand, however, that the GOT has had
difficulty locating a point-of-contact inside the ITG
through which to request extradition, despite the
agreement of both governments that an existing Iraqi-
Turkish treaty regarding the Iraqi extradition of
Turkish nationals remains in force.


5. (SBU) Post recommends that the GOT present a
formal extradition request to the Iraqi MFA, noting in
the attached diplomatic note that a courtesy copy of
the extradition request has been passed to the Chief
Justice of Iraq. We then suggest that the GOT provide
a copy of the extradition request to Post, which Post
will pass directly to the Chief Justice.


6. (SBU) Should Turkey's extradition request be
approved by an Iraqi judge, Post will notify MNF-I,
which will request permission from CENTCOM to transfer
legal custody of these detainees to the ITG. MNF-I
will retain physical custody of any detainees approved
for extradition until arrangements have been made for
their transport to Turkey.


7. (SBU) The steps described in paras 5-6 may be
passed by Embassy Ankara to the GOT if appropriate as
a procedural recommendation for seeking extradition.
Satterfield