TURKS CLAIM PKK FRONT OFFICES REMAIN OPEN

S E C R E T ANKARA 004608 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/10/2031 TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS TU IZ SUBJECT: TURKS CLAIM PKK FRONT OFFICES REMAIN OPEN REF: ANKARA 4451 Classified By: Ambassador Ross Wilson, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 6. ¶2. (S) SUMMARY: Ambassador reviewed for MFA Deputy U/S Akgunay on August 9 the US-proposed way forward on the PKK trilateral process and our understanding of the actions taken by the GOI/KRG -- including the closure of some PKK front offices -- to fulfill President Talabani's pledges to act against the PKK presence in northern Iraq. Akgunay claimed that PKK front offices remain open and underscored that their closure is a necessary confidence-building measure. As the MFA's designated PKK point person, Akgunay confirmed his readiness to meet bilaterally as soon as possible to develop a road map for the trilateral meeting. He agreed with the Ambassador's characterization of the GOT "wish list" as a menu of options to be considered, of which only two required immediate action. END SUMMARY. ¶3. (S) Following Deputy U/S for International Security Affairs Rafet Akgunay's return from vacation, the Ambassador reviewed for him, as the MFA's point person for the PKK trilateral talks, the latest state of play. Emphasizing the unprecedented high-level USG attention being given to this issue, Ambassador said a US envoy would soon be named and stressed our interest in meeting with Turkey immediately thereafter. PKK FRONT OFFICES REMAIN OPEN -------------- ¶4. (S) Ambassador recounted our understanding of KRG steps taken to implement President Talabani's stated action plan against the PKK, including the relocation of Peshmerga units closer to PKK camps; the closure of PKK front offices in Erbil and Dohuk; and ongoing efforts to close offices in other cities. Akgunay could not confirm the movement of Peshmerga units but expressed his hope that this action was intended to cut off their supply routes, rather than to protect these bases e.g. from outside attacks. Regarding the PKK front offices, Akgunay countered that, according to the GOT's information as of August 7, none had been closed, although the KDSP office in Baghdad had been relocated and the sign in front of the PCDK office in Erbil had been removed. He emphasized the importance of the office closures to demonstrate publicly the GOI's commitment to work with Turkey to eliminate the PKK threat. According to GOT information, the following offices remain open: Baghdad: Ocalan Cultural Center open; KDSP office closed and moved to a building 2K from the TU Embassy. A sign on the old office announces the move; Kirkuk: KDSP and DCP offices open; Mosul: PCDK office open; Erbil: PCDK sign gone but the office remains open; Suleymaniyah: PCDK office open; Sinjar: Free YDZ party office open; Dohuk: Unknown. Akgunay acknowledged that the PCDK office there could be closed. READY TO MEET -------------- ¶5. (S) Akgunay underscored the significant public concern about the PKK threat, which has been heightened following the recent murder of a Turkish NCO and the serious injury of his young son in their home. This direct confrontation signaled a troubling change in tactics. He welcomed the intensified USG efforts and reaffirmed Turkey's interest in meeting first bilaterally with the US to prepare for the trilateral meeting. Akgunay reiterated U/S Tuygan's suggestion (reftel) of Geneva, where UN facilities could provide a discreet location and there is minimal Turkish press presence, but other locations might be appropriate too. He anticipates being accompanied by an aide and representatives of the military and security forces. The GOT, he added, recognizes the need for the US to also meet separately with the Iraqis to ensure they come to the trilats prepared to take concrete action, but he cautioned against any impromptu trilateral that would leak and be unhelpful. A MENU OF OPTIONS -------------- ¶6. (S) Ambassador thanked Akgunay for the GOT's proposed list of PKK action items and underscored our recognition that the trilateral process must produce results. In addition to the necessary political declarations to establish the way forward, it must establish a series of practical steps aimed at achieving Turkey's goals of reducing, then eliminating, the PKK presence in Iraq and PKK violence in Turkey. The US views the steps suggested by the GOT as a menu of potential options to achieve the desired end state, and not as a list which must be followed to the letter. Akgunay acknowledged the list was extensive and agreed with its characterization as a menu. The GOT has no expectation that all of these measures will be immediately taken, he insisted, and underscored that the two priority measures are the fulfillment of Talabani's four pledged action items and the establishment of some type of security zone. ¶7. (S) ACTION REQUEST: In light of the GOT information on the continued operation of PKK front offices, we request Department and Embassy Baghdad assistance to confirm which party offices have been closed and what steps are underway to ensure that other offices, including the Ocalan Cultural Center, will be closed in the near term. Confirmation of their closure will provide a significant confidence-building measure in advance of the start of the trilateral talks. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/ WILSON