TURKEY: W/W VISIT OZEL, CENGIZ; MELISSA

UNCLAS ADANA 000143 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR CA/OCS/CI:EYORK E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC KOCI TU SUBJECT: TURKEY: W/W VISIT OZEL, CENGIZ; MELISSA REF: STATE 089122 ¶1. (SBU) Information for CA Only: Mr. Ozel spent considerable time during the welfare and where abouts visit talking about his family situation. He volunteered that he receives disability checks form the U.S. and that previously his wife helped to support the family with various jobs, which included teaching and cashiering. He showed a hand written note, which he says his wife gave him the night before her departure. The note explains that Ms. Ozel wanted to go to the U.S. to see her father, who is ill, says she has bought a ticket, asks her husband to take her to the airport in the morning, and says she loves him and not to be angry. Mr. Ozel indicated that Ms. Ozel did not asked or try to take the children to the U.S. with her. He explained how the family came to Turkey together and how he and his wife were working on finding a teaching position for Ms. Ozel. He says he would welcome his wife back and seems puzzled by her departure. He does not see himself as having abducted the children as the family came to Turkey together to make a new home. Tear Line ********************************************* ****** ¶1. (U) Consular Officer Telside Manson and Consular Assistant Maide Turkesar met with AmCit Mete Ozel and two of his AmCit children, Cengiz and Melissa Ozel, at the Consulate on Tuesday, June 6, 2006. Mr. Ozel confirmed the contact information listed in reftel is current. He also provided his cell phone number, which is: 0546-935-0500. ¶2. (U) Abuse: Neither child had any visible bruises or other signs of physical abuse. The children were shy at first, but over the course of a 45 minute meeting and cookies, they became quite talkative. Both children got up from their chairs on several occasions, playing in the meeting area, and twice Cengiz came over to his father's chair and squeezed into the seat with him. The children were relaxed and comfortable in their father's presence. Both children smiled frequently and laughed/giggled on a few occasions. When asked if he had spoken with his mother, Cengiz said he had talked to her over the phone. ¶3. (U) Clothing: Both children were dressed in appropriate summer clothing. The clothes were not brand new nor were they very worn. The clothes were all clean. ¶4. (U) Nutrition: Both children looked healthy and well fed. Mr. Ozel said that neither child has had any problems with the food since the first incident, which he attributed to a normal adjustment to Turkish cuisine. Mr. Ozel says his mother does most of the cooking in the house. Cengiz volunteered that he likes Turkish food. ¶5. (U) Living Environment: Mr. Ozel said the family is planning to stay at the current residence until later in the summer when he hopes to move the family to Antalya. He is not currently working and says he is the primary caregiver for the children. He said he often takes them to a nearby park which the children enjoy. When asked if he missed school and his friends in the U.S., Cengiz just smiled. Mr. Ozel said Cengiz would start school in the fall. Under the Turkish system, Cengiz was too young to attend public school this year. Both children spoke in English, however, Cengiz did know a few Turkish words. REID