Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ANKARA3685
2006-06-22 13:06:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:
ISAF CAVEATS: TURKEY NOT LETTING GO YET
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C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 003685
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/04/2016
TAGS: NATO MARR MOPS PREL TU AF
SUBJECT: ISAF CAVEATS: TURKEY NOT LETTING GO YET
REF: STATE 74035
Classified By: Pol-Mil Counselor Timothy A. Betts for reasons 1.4 (b) a
nd (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 003685
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/04/2016
TAGS: NATO MARR MOPS PREL TU AF
SUBJECT: ISAF CAVEATS: TURKEY NOT LETTING GO YET
REF: STATE 74035
Classified By: Pol-Mil Counselor Timothy A. Betts for reasons 1.4 (b) a
nd (d).
1. (SBU) We delivered reftel points to MFA Head of Section
for NATO Affairs Ihsan Kiziltan on May 16. Kiziltan had no
substantive reply, but said he would consult with the
appropriate authorities.
2. (C) TGS/J3 Plans and Operations Chef MG Mehmet Eroz told
us May 19 that Turkey's caveats were necessary due to
ambiguity in the ISAF Operation Plan (OPLAN). Ankara
interprets the OPLAN as contemplating two sets of forces in
Afghanistan, one for security (OEF) and another for stability
operations (ISAF). As an ISAF contributor, Turkey
contributes to stability forces, but not security forces.
This distinction was part of the reason for the GOT's
caveats, such as the one saying Turkish forces won't be used
to break up fighting parties (which only applies to "big
groups," he added).
3. (C) According to Eroz, the OPLAN also provides for two
types of reserves for each ISAF region: the region's own
quick reaction force and, if that is inadequate, NATO's
"strategic reserve." He maintained that it does not envisage
forces from one region reinforcing units in another. As a
soldier, he understood the need for the ISAF commander to
have greater flexibility on the use of his/her forces, but
Ankara remained "suspicious" of different interpretations of
the OPLAN. He thought consultations between regional
commands to come up with a common understanding of the OPLAN
would help resolve this issue and clear the way for removal
of Turkey's caveats.
4. (C) We periodically follow up, but have yet to receive a
formal response to our demarche from MFA. MFA officials say
they are awaiting TGS's views. We will continue to press the
case against caveats.
Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/
WILSON
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/04/2016
TAGS: NATO MARR MOPS PREL TU AF
SUBJECT: ISAF CAVEATS: TURKEY NOT LETTING GO YET
REF: STATE 74035
Classified By: Pol-Mil Counselor Timothy A. Betts for reasons 1.4 (b) a
nd (d).
1. (SBU) We delivered reftel points to MFA Head of Section
for NATO Affairs Ihsan Kiziltan on May 16. Kiziltan had no
substantive reply, but said he would consult with the
appropriate authorities.
2. (C) TGS/J3 Plans and Operations Chef MG Mehmet Eroz told
us May 19 that Turkey's caveats were necessary due to
ambiguity in the ISAF Operation Plan (OPLAN). Ankara
interprets the OPLAN as contemplating two sets of forces in
Afghanistan, one for security (OEF) and another for stability
operations (ISAF). As an ISAF contributor, Turkey
contributes to stability forces, but not security forces.
This distinction was part of the reason for the GOT's
caveats, such as the one saying Turkish forces won't be used
to break up fighting parties (which only applies to "big
groups," he added).
3. (C) According to Eroz, the OPLAN also provides for two
types of reserves for each ISAF region: the region's own
quick reaction force and, if that is inadequate, NATO's
"strategic reserve." He maintained that it does not envisage
forces from one region reinforcing units in another. As a
soldier, he understood the need for the ISAF commander to
have greater flexibility on the use of his/her forces, but
Ankara remained "suspicious" of different interpretations of
the OPLAN. He thought consultations between regional
commands to come up with a common understanding of the OPLAN
would help resolve this issue and clear the way for removal
of Turkey's caveats.
4. (C) We periodically follow up, but have yet to receive a
formal response to our demarche from MFA. MFA officials say
they are awaiting TGS's views. We will continue to press the
case against caveats.
Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/
WILSON