TURKISH PARTICIPATION IN NUCLEAR FORENSICS EXPERTS

UNCLAS ANKARA 001196 SIPDIS SIPDIS SECSTATE FOR ISN/CTR SMACDONALD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC ENRG KNNP MNUC PARM TRGY TU SUBJECT: TURKISH PARTICIPATION IN NUCLEAR FORENSICS EXPERTS MEETING REF: A. STATE 57150 ¶B. ANKARA 1177 ¶1. We forwarded information concerning the Nuclear Smuggling International Technical Working Group (ITWG) to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 30 (ref a). We included the offer from the US to pay for one representative from the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) and Turkish National Police (TNP). On May 17, we received a reply from the GOT stating that the Turkish National Police will be sending Police Chief Salih Alper Mercan. TNP is also appreciative of the offer of funding for his attendance. ¶2. Pol/Mil Counselor met with President of TAEK, Okay Cakiroglu on May 16 (ref b). During the meeting, the ITWG was discussed. Cakiroglu informed Pol/Mil Counselor that TAEK has not yet determined who will participate in the ITWG, but they do intend to have a representative at the meetings. Cakiroglu added that TAEK will not require US financial assistance. ¶3. Embassy Point of Contact for this project is EXBS Advisor Kevin Lyon. His contact information is phone (90)(312)457-7210, fax (90)(312) 468-4775, email lyonk@state.gov or lyonkm@state.sgov.gov. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/ WILSON