TURKEY REQUESTS CLARIFICATION ON SECURITY MEASURES

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 003692 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/21/2016 TAGS: PREL MOPS TU IZ SUBJECT: TURKEY REQUESTS CLARIFICATION ON SECURITY MEASURES FOR MOSUL CONSULATE REF: ANKARA 3173 Classified By: Pol-Mil Counselor Timothy A. Betts for reasons 1.4 (b) a nd (d). ¶1. (U) This is an action request -- please see para. 5. ¶2. (C/REL GBR, CAN, AUS) Summary: The GOT is seeking clarification of what security assistance to its consulate in Mosul might expect in the event it were to come under a sustained attack. While a definitive answer may be impossible in the abstract, a better understanding of MNF-I's ROE and some other specific requests from this NATO Ally appear reasonable to us. We encourage MNF-I to engage with the Turkish Embassy in Baghdad when it approaches the command. End summary. ¶3. (C/REL GBR, CAN, AUS) We met June 21 with Turkey Consul General to Mosul, H. Avni Botsali. Botsali expressed his deep appreciation for the assistance of PRT Ninewah and Task Force Band of Brothers during his recent visit to Mosul, which he characterized as a success. While in Mosul he officially took possession of the consulate property and signed a contract to complete security renovations. Subsequently, however, his contractor's office was damaged (apparently collaterally) in a bomb blast, so it is not now clear who will carry out renovations. In the meantime, the Ninewah Governor has offered his facilities for Turkey's temporary use. Botsali hopes to return to Mosul in mid-July for a brief visit. He will leave at least one Turkish staff member and some security personnel at this temporary facility to oversee the renovation of the consulate building; within three months, Botsali hopes the consulate will be at least partly operational. Botsali intends to shuttle back and forth between Ankara and Mosul during this period. ¶4. (C/REL GBR, CAN, AUS) Botsali said he understands that our military is not equipped to provide day-to-day security for the Turkish consulate, and that this is a Turkish responsibility. He also understood that we continue to hand over responsibilities to the ISF. However, he asked under what circumstances CF would respond in case of a sustained attack on the Consulate or its personnel. He handed us a non-paper with more specifics (see para. 6). These questions came to mind, he said, when during his recent visit he saw the security detail that had been assigned to him by the Ninewah Governor leave their posts to seek out AIF that they had just learned had murdered the Governor's brother. ¶5. (C/REL GBR, CAN, AUS) ACTION REQUEST: In planning for their own security requirements, a better understanding of how CF might respond when they encounter Turkish Consulate personnel or when these personnel find themselves in an extreme emergency appears to us to be reasonable. We urge MNF-I to engage when the Turkish Embassy approaches. END ACTION REQUEST. ¶6. (C/REL GBR, CAN, AUS) Text of Turkish non-paper (original in English): BEGIN TEXT Turkish Consulate General in Mosul Priority Security Concerns, Rules of Engagement, Emergency Measures and Mechanisms Turkey extended unequivocal support to the Iraqi political process, developed cordial relations and actively cooperated with consecutive interim and elected governments of Iraq. Turkey also firmly supports us and coalition endeavors to stabilize Iraq. Turkey enjoys balanced relations with all segments of the Iraqi society. Turkey maintains constructive dialogue with Iraqi political parties and groups encouraging them to take active part in the efforts to build viable democratic institutions and good governance in their country. ANKARA 00003692 002 OF 002 Once reactivated, smooth functioning of the Turkish Consulate General will further contribute to the activities aimed at stabilization, normalization and reconstruction of Iraq. The Consulate's services are expected to facilitate travel to and from Turkey, as well as trade and reconstruction activity with Turkish, U.S. and third countries' partnership. Under normal circumstances the Consulate would not be expected to face direct threats from traditional quarters and legitimate political forces of Iraqi society. Yet, it would also not be surprising if alien forces, insurgent elements and terror cells aiming at creating havoc and anarchy in Iraq perceive the stabilizing presence of the Turkish Consulate as a challenge to their existence and objectives. Similarly under the conditions dictated by the current lack of law and order in Iraq, the tensions provoked by continuing terrorist attacks and sectarian strife may expose the consulate and its staff to occasional risks and dangers. One would also have to be alert against and take effective measures to prevent any collateral damage that may be caused by social disturbances or counterinsurgency/security operations. In order to minimize the risks that may occur, we propose to identify mutually acceptable principles and adjust ourselves to the MNF's routine behavioral patterns (rules of engagement, safe travel arrangements; unfettered clearance through check points; terms of access to restricted sites; etc.). We would also like to devise a mechanism and introduce specific measures to assure allied cooperation during normal times, as well as in case of any emergency that may result in increased security risks forthe Turkish Consulate and its staff in the future. Accordingly we propose and request that Turkish Consulate's precise geographic coordinates are identified and notified to any and all concerned operational U.S. and MNF military headquarters and units as a preventive measure with instructions highlighting that this is "an allied country diplomatic mission premises" for their continued security and safeguarding against eventual counterinsurgency operations. Similarly we request the provision of electronic signatures for easy radar identification of the Consulate's official vehicles and premises in order to prevent any undesirable collateral damage/incident that may occur during security operations. Subject to confirmation by our respective national authorities we would like to request that the above and any other relevant points and issues be brought to the attention of the concerned U.S. authorities and follow up coordination is carried out through appropriate channels to secure mutual understanding, adoption and subsequent enforcement of effective measures. END TEXT Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/ WILSON