Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ANKARA4279
2006-07-24 11:53:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:
TURKEY INSPECTS SUSPECT FLIGHT FROM IRAN TO SYRIA
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHAK #4279 2051153 ZNY SSSSS ZZH O 241153Z JUL 06 FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7448 INFO RUEHAM/AMEMBASSY AMMAN IMMEDIATE 0816 RUEHDM/AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS IMMEDIATE 1526 RUEHMK/AMEMBASSY MANAMA IMMEDIATE 0192 RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH IMMEDIATE 0596 RUEHTV/AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV IMMEDIATE 0058 RUEKDAI/DIA WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEHAK/USDAO ANKARA TU IMMEDIATE RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC//USDP:PDUSDP/ISA:EUR/ISA:NESA// IMMEDIATE RHEHAAA/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEUITH/ODC ANKARA TU IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC//J-3/J-5// IMMEDIATE RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK IMMEDIATE RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE IMMEDIATE RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL IMMEDIATE RHMFISS/425ABS IZMIR TU//CC// IMMEDIATE RHMFISS/39ABG INCIRLIK AB TU IMMEDIATE RUEPGAB/MNF-I C2X BAGHDAD IZ IMMEDIATE
S E C R E T ANKARA 004279
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/24/2026
TAGS: PARM ETTC PREL IR SY IS TU LE
SUBJECT: TURKEY INSPECTS SUSPECT FLIGHT FROM IRAN TO SYRIA
REF: A. ANKARA 4253
B. STATE 119421
C. STATE 118622
D. STATE 118476
E. ANKARA 4223
Classified By: Pol-Mil Counselor Carl Siebentritt for reasons 1.4 (b) a
nd (d).
S E C R E T ANKARA 004279
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/24/2026
TAGS: PARM ETTC PREL IR SY IS TU LE
SUBJECT: TURKEY INSPECTS SUSPECT FLIGHT FROM IRAN TO SYRIA
REF: A. ANKARA 4253
B. STATE 119421
C. STATE 118622
D. STATE 118476
E. ANKARA 4223
Classified By: Pol-Mil Counselor Carl Siebentritt for reasons 1.4 (b) a
nd (d).
1. (S/NF) State Ops alerted us July 23 that the Syrians may
once again be attempting to fly an IL-76 with suspect cargo
from Iran to Syria. We contacted MFA Head of Department for
Aviation Affairs Hamit Olcay, who informed us that the flight
approaching Turkey was actually an Iranian civilian carrier,
Pars, claiming to be carrying humanitarian supplies. Olcay
told us the GOT had granted overflight clearance, but only on
the condition that the aircraft land in Diyarbakir (in
southeast Turkey) and submit to inspection. The plane was
not yet in Turkish airspace. Olcay promised to call us back
with the result.
2. (S/NF) Olcay later notified us that Turkish security
officials had thoroughly inspected the plane and found 20
tons of food and medical supplies and three ambulances. The
GOT permitted the aircraft to fly to Syria. We thanked Olcay
for the GOT's vigilance.
3. (S/NF) DAO also discussed the issue with RADM Polat of the
TGS J2. Polat surmised that the GOT's decision to grant
overflight clearance -- but subject to inspection of the
cargo -- was an attempt by the GOT to diplomatically say "no"
to military equipment transiting Turkey but not risk a
confrontation with Iran over the issue. Polat told DAO that
he expected Turkey would treat future suspect flights from
Iran in the same fashion.
4. (S/NF) COMMENT: The GOT has taken a strongly negative line
against Israel's military action in Lebanon, calling for an
immediate cease-fire and the provision of humanitarian
assistance to the Lebanese people. The GOT may be seeking to
cover both its flanks by allowing humanitarian aid to pass
through Turkey while ensuring that nothing nefarious is
getting through. We will follow up with the GOT in the
coming days on this issue.
Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/
WILSON
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/24/2026
TAGS: PARM ETTC PREL IR SY IS TU LE
SUBJECT: TURKEY INSPECTS SUSPECT FLIGHT FROM IRAN TO SYRIA
REF: A. ANKARA 4253
B. STATE 119421
C. STATE 118622
D. STATE 118476
E. ANKARA 4223
Classified By: Pol-Mil Counselor Carl Siebentritt for reasons 1.4 (b) a
nd (d).
1. (S/NF) State Ops alerted us July 23 that the Syrians may
once again be attempting to fly an IL-76 with suspect cargo
from Iran to Syria. We contacted MFA Head of Department for
Aviation Affairs Hamit Olcay, who informed us that the flight
approaching Turkey was actually an Iranian civilian carrier,
Pars, claiming to be carrying humanitarian supplies. Olcay
told us the GOT had granted overflight clearance, but only on
the condition that the aircraft land in Diyarbakir (in
southeast Turkey) and submit to inspection. The plane was
not yet in Turkish airspace. Olcay promised to call us back
with the result.
2. (S/NF) Olcay later notified us that Turkish security
officials had thoroughly inspected the plane and found 20
tons of food and medical supplies and three ambulances. The
GOT permitted the aircraft to fly to Syria. We thanked Olcay
for the GOT's vigilance.
3. (S/NF) DAO also discussed the issue with RADM Polat of the
TGS J2. Polat surmised that the GOT's decision to grant
overflight clearance -- but subject to inspection of the
cargo -- was an attempt by the GOT to diplomatically say "no"
to military equipment transiting Turkey but not risk a
confrontation with Iran over the issue. Polat told DAO that
he expected Turkey would treat future suspect flights from
Iran in the same fashion.
4. (S/NF) COMMENT: The GOT has taken a strongly negative line
against Israel's military action in Lebanon, calling for an
immediate cease-fire and the provision of humanitarian
assistance to the Lebanese people. The GOT may be seeking to
cover both its flanks by allowing humanitarian aid to pass
through Turkey while ensuring that nothing nefarious is
getting through. We will follow up with the GOT in the
coming days on this issue.
Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/
WILSON