Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ANKARA5900
2006-10-12 14:45:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:  

U.S. - TURKEY PEACEFUL NUCLEAR COOPERATION - SISTER LABS

Tags:  IAEA ENRG TRGY AORC KNNP OTRA TU 
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VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHAK #5900 2851445
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 121445Z OCT 06
FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9349
INFO RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC
RHEBAAA/DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY WASHDC
RUEHUNV/USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA 0110
UNCLAS ANKARA 005900 

SIPDIS

USDOE FOR CHARLES WASHINGTON
USDOC FOR 4212/ITA/MAC/CPD/CRUSNAK

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: IAEA ENRG TRGY AORC KNNP OTRA TU
SUBJECT: U.S. - TURKEY PEACEFUL NUCLEAR COOPERATION - SISTER LABS

REF: STATE 166038

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLAS ANKARA 005900

SIPDIS

USDOE FOR CHARLES WASHINGTON
USDOC FOR 4212/ITA/MAC/CPD/CRUSNAK

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: IAEA ENRG TRGY AORC KNNP OTRA TU
SUBJECT: U.S. - TURKEY PEACEFUL NUCLEAR COOPERATION - SISTER LABS

REF: STATE 166038

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED


1. (SBU) We presented reftel points to MFA Energy Officer Gulsun
Erkul on October 6. During the discussion, we encouraged the
Government of Turkey to participate in the DOE National Nuclear
Security Administration (NNSA) "Sister Laboratory" program for
bilateral technical cooperation in peaceful nuclear applications.
Erkul reacted positively to this opportunity for cooperation,
stating that she would present the proposal to the Energy Ministry
and the Turkish Atomic Energy Board (TAEK) for further consideration
and action.


2. (SBU) In response to Erkul's question whether the lack of a
"Cooperation on Peaceful Uses for Nuclear Energy" ("123") Agreement
would be an obstacle, we noted that technical cooperation under the
"Sister Laboratory" program is undertaken under a non-binding
protocol and does not require a more formal and broader agreement.
We stated that "123" ratification was still in process in
Washington.


3. (SBU) Citing other areas of potential cooperation with respect
to Turkey's decision to seek to add nuclear power to its energy mix,
we mentioned the DOE Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) and
cooperation with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
(septel). Scheduled briefings from USG officials to Turkish
officials on these topics have unfortunately not materialized to
date, but the Energy U/S told us he looks forward to meeting with
the U.S. NRC at an IAEA meeting in Vienna in November. Erkul
suggested that we advance these initiatives by presenting them more
formally to the Turkish Government.


4. (SBU) Comment: We continue to approach the Turkish Government
with offers of cooperation in various areas of nuclear energy.
Turkey ratified the "123" agreement in March 2005, but we have not
been able to provide formal feedback on our ratification status to
date. Continued delay in providing a formal answer may be perceived
by TAEK and MFA as an indication the U.S. is not eager to be part of
Turkish nuclear power development and that they should look to
alternative sources for assistance (Russia, Canada, France, South
Korea). End Comment.

Wilson