TURKEY/IRAQ: SPECIFIC ISSUES RAISED DURING

S E C R E T ANKARA 000217 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/01/2027 TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS PTER IZ TU SUBJECT: TURKEY/IRAQ: SPECIFIC ISSUES RAISED DURING SPECIAL ENVOY RALSTON'S VISIT TO ANKARA Classified By: AMBASSADOR ROSS WILSON FOR REASONS 1.4 (B,D). ¶1. (U) Action Request at para. 4. ¶2. (S/NF) In the context of January 30-31 talks in Ankara on countering PKK terrorism from northern Iraq, Turkish anti-PKK envoy Edip Baser raised several specific allegations concerning U.S. activities in Iraq in a private meeting with U.S. Special Envoy Ralston and Ambassador. He requested U.S. officials investigate these issues and respond to the GOT. These allegations include: -- Turkish officials claim they have evidence U.S. military authorities met in December 2006 with PKK leader Murat Karayilan at Shivadiza (as heard) in northern Iraq. U.S. military personnel reportedly discussed a two-month training course for 300 PKK terrorists who could be used as an "emergency force." Training was to start January 15 at four camps in the area. Baser admitted the report was not confirmed. -- Baser said Turkey believes a U.S. military team visited offices of the Kurdistan Free Life Party (a PKK front party) on December 22 in Beradalan (as heard),northern Iraq, and provided weapons, clothing, money and unspecified other material to party officials. He admitted that this information was unconfirmed as well. -- Between November 22, 2006 and January 23, 2007, Turkish authorities in the Turkey-Iraq border area reported 286 "flights" of unidentified aircraft, possibly UAVs, originating in Iraq and crossing deep into Turkish airspace. The unidentified aircraft reportedly flew at 22 thousand meters (sic) and maneuvered in unusual ways. The Turks were unable to pick them up on radar; only visual sightings were made. Ambassador told Baser that we have repeatedly raised the issue of UAV flights with relevant USG agencies and have been assured they are not ours. (Note: We believe that 286 refers to a claimed number of sightings, not individual flights. Turkish military officials receive the daily Coalition Air Tasking Order (ATO) in order to give the Turkish air force better visibility over Coalition aircraft operating near the Turkish border in northern Iraq. End Note.) -- Baser asked if the U.S. is building a military base at Karadaga near Suleymaniye in northern Iraq. ¶3. (S/NF) Comment. The fact that Baser raised these allegations with General Ralston suggests that, justifiably or not, Turkish officials see a connection between them and PKK terrorism coming from northern Iraq. End Comment. ¶4. (C) Action Request. Post requests guidance on how to respond to the above allegations. Post recommends that CJCS be prepared to respond should CHOD Buyukanit raise them during his February 11-17 visit to Washington. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/ WILSON