BRIEFINGS ON ILLICIT TRAFFICKING AND REVIEW OF

UNCLAS ANKARA 000512 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KNNP PARM TU SUBJECT: BRIEFINGS ON ILLICIT TRAFFICKING AND REVIEW OF FORENSIC TESTS REF: A. 2006 STATE 165380 ¶B. 2006 STATE 179792 ¶1. (SBU) Summary; Two nuclear smuggling and forensics experts from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory conducted a nuclear smuggling workshop for members of the Turkish National Police (TNP). They also met with Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) scientists at the Cekmece Nuclear Research Center to discuss additional tests which were conducted on the low enriched uranium (LEU) was seized by the Turkish National Police in August 2005. Turkish authorities provided results for 4 of the 5 requested tests and engaged in a detailed discussion of the results. TAEK requested additional consultations following the complete analysis of the results by U.S. experts. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) Two nuclear smuggling experts from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Dr. David Smith and Dr. Zachary Koenig, traveled to Turkey from February 25 to March 3, 2007 in support of increased bilateral cooperation against nuclear smuggling. The visit began with a two-day workshop in Ankara for 38 Turkish National Police (TNP) officials from 30 field offices throughout Turkey. This workshop was part of TNP efforts to raise the awareness of its field officers to the increasing threat from illicit nuclear trafficking and to build on cooperation with the USG (ref a). The U.S. experts provided non-technical briefings on current nuclear smuggling threats and countermeasures. The information was well received by the participants and, following the workshop, the TNP leadership recommended this event be held annually to exchange experiences. ¶3. (SBU) Smith, Koenig and EXBS Advisor met February 28 with TAEK President Okay Cakiroglu to discuss areas of cooperation in nuclear forensics and the team's visit to the Cekmece Nuclear Research Center. Smith outlined the advances that have occurred in nuclear forensics and how cooperation between the USG and TAEK is helping to answer questions concerning the origin of the LEU seized by the TNP in August ¶2005. Smith and Cakiroglu agreed that working discussions between scientists are very beneficial in the identification of nuclear items and the disruption of smuggling activities. Cakiroglu apologized for the delay in providing the results of the tests requested by the USG (ref B),stated that TAEK scientists had been dealing with a number of high priority issues. Finally, Cakiroglu informed us that a criminal court examining the LEU smuggling case had requested to examine the LEU sample on March 2. ¶4. (SBU) Smith, Koenig and EXBS Advisor met with Dr. Sevket Can, Director of the Cekmece Nuclear Research and Training Center. Can discussed the additional LEU test results which were made available to Smith and Koenig. Additionally, Can had made arrangements for a sample of the LEU to be observed under a scanning electron microscope outfitted with an image and energy dispersive analyzer. After discussion of the observations, the USG scientists stated that the new data will greatly assist in the determination of the most likely origin of this LEU sample. Can requested a copy of any information we develop to facilitate the interpretation of data collected from the additional test. ¶5. (SBU) The following is the current status of the additional test results requested by the USG: a. X-ray diffraction test- Results were provided during March 2 visit to Cekmece. b. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)- Result provided in late January and forwarded. Additional test were performed during visit on March 2. c. Trace Element analysis (including U-235 isotopic enrichment)- Results were provided during March 2 visit. d. Age dating of LEU- This test cannot be performed due to the limited availability of isotopic standards at Cekmece. e. Transmission Electron Microscopy- These results are still pending. A field emission scanning electron microscope will be used in place of a transmission electron microscope. The equipment was being repaired and will be operational later in March. ¶6. (SBU) Comment: Government of Turkey cooperation in these technical level events was outstanding. The participation of 30 TNP field offices in the workshop demonstrates TNP's commitment to increase officers' awareness of the nuclear smuggling problem. TAEK's openness in sharing information concerning the seized LEU and preparing a sample in the electron microscope for observation is indicative of TAEK's desire to increase U.S. - Turkish scientist-to-scientist cooperation. Turkey appears intent on establishing a robust national program in nuclear forensics data analysis and interpretation, and would like to partner with the U.S. in this endeavor. End Comment. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/ WILSON