EXBS: TURKEY ADVISORS MONTHLY REPORT- (AUG 2007)

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 002325 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR NP/ECC- YWONG, ACHURCH, NJOHANSON, BGOLDEN DEPT FOR EUR/ACE- DSILLIMAN, BHUNT, PMALIK DOE/NNSA- TPERRY, LPARKER, EDESCHLER CBP/INA- BWATTS, BPICKETT DOC FOR TCURTIN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KNNP KSTC MNUC PARM PREL TU SUBJECT: EXBS: TURKEY ADVISORS MONTHLY REPORT- (AUG 2007) REF: 2004 STATE 146478 ¶1. Summary: EXBS Advisor continued work on grant agreement to transfer a new Z-Backscatter Van (ZBV) to Turkish Customs. Work also continued on cooperation plan to standardize the training curriculum of the Turkish Customs Training Academy. Twenty-four Turkish Customs officials attend Radiation Detection and Response Training conducted by the Department of Energy (DOE)/ Second Line of Defense (SLD) in Richland Washington. ¶2. Completed Actions for the Reporting Period ¶A. Site Assessment and Meetings During Recent Reporting Period 1) Aug 3 - EXBS Advisor met with MFA Arms Control and Disarmament Chief of Section Bora Kerimoglu to discuss current projects in Turkey, including a proposed grant agreement for new Z-Backscatter Van, Turkish Customs training cooperation project and the Department of Energy/Second Line of Defense (SLD) engagement proposal. EXBS Advisor reviewed meetings held the end of July between visiting SLD delegation and Turkish National Police and Turkish Customs officials, explaining how each program is building on past activities with a goal of developing capabilities of both services. EXBS Advisor shared draft documents which outlined short term and long term goals which were being finalized between SLD, TNP and Turkish Customs. Kerimoglu expressed MFA's support in the cooperation between Turkish and US agencies and requested MFA be kept informed as these plans and activities progress. EXBS Advisor presented a copy of the International Grant Agreement and explained how this Agreement could be utilized to transfer to Turkish Customs the ZBV van which was already in Turkey. EXBS Advisor reinforced that this would be a one time grant could be done outside the NP Cooperation (EXBS) Agreement, if both countries agreed. Kerimoglu concurred that this could be possible, however he would need to review the grant document with appropriate offices. He then added that he was hopeful that the US and Turkey could continue to find ways to cooperate while we await the conclusion of the EXBS Agreement. EXBS Advisor agreed and reviewed the training and visits that had occurred or occur between US and Turkish Customs. 2) Aug 21 - EXBS Advisor met with Custom EU and External Relations Deputy Director General Ihsan Kocer to discuss future steps in the development of the Turkish Customs Training Academy. EXBS Advisor provided a briefing on a proposal to bring to Turkey a team of 4 CBP instructors to observe current on-the-job training being conducted at various Customs locations and who could also work with the current Turkish Customs Academy staff to standardize lesson plans and other information. Kocer welcomed this proposal, but said he would first like to review the finding of the report completed in June on current training for Turkish Customs officials. He added that with the new change in government, it may be a few months before all newly promoted or assigned officials will be in position to approve this next phase of cooperation. EXBS Advisor agreed that delaying this visit may be in the best interest of the program and that he would work to obtain a copy of the formal report for Turkish Customs review. EXBS Advisor provided an update concerning the Turkish Customs International Sea Port Interdiction Training (ISIT),Radiation Detection Training and Hazardous Material training. EXBS Advisor added that he had received positive feedback from MFA concerning the DOE SLD visit and that planning for the replacement of the current monitors could begin soon. 3) Aug 22 - EXBS Advisor met with Customs Enforcement Deputy Director General Ender Gurleyik to conduct pre-departure briefing for the Turkish Customs delegation traveling to the United States to participate in the Radiation Detection Training in Richland WA. Gurleyik, who was the senior member of the Turkish delegation, stated that all members were ready to attend the training and that he hoped to be able to utilize the information obtained from training in future on-the-job training conducted by Turkish Customs. EXBS ANKARA 00002325 002 OF 002 Advisor noted that the training provide by DOE will be similar to training which will be conducted following the replacement and upgrading of the nuclear portal monitors and that individuals attending the training now would be able to better assist in this process. Finally, EXBS Advisor updated Gurleyik on the status of the grant agreement for the ZBV van and that he hoped to have the process completed soon. Gurleyik noted that Turkish Customs has been waiting patiently for this piece of equipment and predicted that it will deliver significant results once it is placed in service. ¶B. Training Conducted During Reporting Period: 1) Aug 25 - Sep 1- Twenty-Four Turkish Customs Officers to attended DOE RADACAD Training in Richland, WA. ¶C. Equipment Delivered During Reporting Period: None ¶D. Imminent Training or Equipment Status Update: 1) Sep 12 -22 - Eighteen Turkish Officials from Customs, National Police, Coast Guard and Gendermerie will attend International Sea Port Interdiction Training Course, Charleston, SC. ¶E. Significant Developments in Export Controls, Nonproliferation, or Related Border Security: The Embassy selected the first EXBS Program Coordinator completed pre-employment requirements and is expected to be in place on or about September 17, 2007. ¶3. Future Activities ¶A. Sep 12 -22 - Eighteen Turkish Officers from Customs, National Police, Coast Guard and Gendermerie will attend International Sea Port Interdiction Training Course, Charleston, SC. ¶B. Nov/Dec - CBP Training Experts to conduct follow-on evaluation of Turkish Customs training development and course material. This evaluation will include visits to actual Customs locations to observe actual procedures which will assist in focusing of the training provided. ¶4. Red Flag Issues: None ¶5. Contact Information for EXBS Adviser ) Kevin Lyon, phone (90)(312) 457-7210, fax (90)(312) 468-4775, email LyonK@state.gov. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/ WILSON