TURKEY SUPPORTS GLOBAL INITIATIVE BUT UNABLE TO

UNCLAS ANKARA 004522 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER KNNP TU SUBJECT: TURKEY SUPPORTS GLOBAL INITIATIVE BUT UNABLE TO HOST INITIAL MEETING REF: STATE 124967 ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Turkey is a strong supporter of the US/Russia Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. The GOT issued a public statement endorsing the initiative and subsequently indicated to us their interest in playing an active role. In a preliminary response to reftel request to host the initial meeting, GOT officials indicated their willingness to serve as host but believe the October 5-6 time frame will not be feasible. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (SBU) Turkey pledged its full support for the US/Russia initiative immediately following the July 15 announcement on the initiative. In a July 17 MFA Announcement, the GOT welcomed the importance of the initiative and the need for international cooperation. It noted Turkey's contributions to international efforts to combat international terrorism, including signing the UN Convention on Nuclear Terrorism and pledged its participation in the first meeting of the initiative. ¶3. (SBU) The Russians have had difficulty in scheduling a joint meeting with U/S Tuygan. To ensure a timely delivery of the request, we made an initial inquiry. The MFA underscored its complete support for the initiative and welcomed the opportunity to host the initial meeting. Given the MTCR Plenary in September and the November NATO Summit, however, they believe the October time frame is unworkable but offered to host a subsequent meeting. ¶4. (SBU) We believe the GOT is interested and was pleased to be asked to host the initial meeting. If it is possible to move back the initial meeting by several months, the Turks might be in a better position to host. If not, we recommend that Turkey be invited to host the next meeting. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/ WILSON