TURKEY/BERLIN CONFERENCE: EAGER TO HELP, BUT IN

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 001110

SIPDIS

NEA/IPA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/16/2018
TAGS: PREL KWBG PBTS PHUM IS EUN
SUBJECT: TURKEY/BERLIN CONFERENCE: EAGER TO HELP, BUT IN
NEED OF DIRECTION

REF: A. STATE 62133

B. ANKARA 755

Classified By: Pol-Mil Counselor Carl Siebentritt, Reasons 1.4 b, d


1. (U) This is an action request. Please see para 7.


2. (C) We delivered ref a demarche to MFA Security Affairs
Department Head Metin Ersin on June 13. Ersin, who
represented Turkey at a preparatory conference in Berlin,
told us Foreign Minister Babacan is expected to lead the
Turkish delegation, and the MFA is looking to earmark a
portion of the $150 million it pledged for 2008-2010 at the
Paris Conference to support the Palestinian Authority (PA)
police. He said the GOT is looking to contribute in
tangible ways ("not just put money in a bank account") toward
areas where Turkey has a "comparative advantage,"
particularly training and infrastructure development (e.g.
constructing training centers).


3. (C) Ersin said Turkey's Provincial Reconstruction Team
(PRT) in Afghanistan is being considered as a possible
model for Turkey's support of the PA police. During GOT
working level deliberations, Ersin said there was agreement
for Turkey to offer the PA police with a continuum of
support. One idea is for Turkey to help build a training
center, staff and provide training for the PA police at the
center, and equip the police once the training has been
completed. He said this idea would allow a Turkish
contingent to develop a relationship with the local police
which would in turn facilitate the training and mentoring
process, and ensure greater accountability.


4. (C) Ersin said the GOT is considering offering training
courses in the West Bank to complement the training taking
place in Turkey in which PA police officers have being
participating (Note: Nearly 100 PA officers have completed
the Turkish National Police's 4-year police academy since
1996, and over 130 PA police officials have participated in
TNP training courses during the same period - see ref b).
Turning to a matrix of projects the PA had identified as
priorities, Ersin said Turkey could conduct training on
counterterrorism, bomb detection, traffic policing, and
protection of public facilities (Turkey is already providing
these types of training to PA police in Turkey). Ersin also
said Turkey could help construct and equip a forensic
laboratory, and provide training on how to use the equipment.


5. (C) Despite indicating Turkey's clear eagerness to provide
support for the PA police, Ersin expressed
frustration over what he called a "lack of clarity" on how
potential contributions are being coordinated and
deconflicted for the Berlin Conference. He said it was
unclear whether the contributions Turkey is contemplating
would be welcome at the conference. He also conveyed concern
over equipping the PA police given Israel's seemingly
cool attitude towards the Berlin Conference. According to
Ersin, ISRAEL did not participate in the preparatory
conference in Germany and had objected to the equipping of PA
police in the past, even in the case of non-lethal equipment.
Ersin said it is imperative for ISRAEL to support the
process as Turkey would not want to be put in a position
where it could upset its "strategic" ally.


6. (C) In Ersin's view, it would be helpful if contributors
can agree ahead of time which projects each country will
support so that senior level officials can announce at the
conference what each country plans to do. Without further

clarity on how the contributions will be received and
coordinated, Ersin expressed concern that the Berlin
Conference may become a missed opportunity for high-level
officials to present a clear vision of the international
community's support for the PA police. Ersin hinted that,
without further clarity on whether the conference would
welcome the type of contribution Turkey is envisioning,
Babacan' participation may become doubtful as the MFA would
not want to put its minister in a situation where he may be
embarrassed by the reaction of the PA, Israel, and the
international community more broadly to Turkey's proposals.



7. (C) Comment and action request: Turkey is willing and able
to offer a significant contribution at Berlin. While
Turkey may contribute some funds to the accounts established
by the PA police, its clear preference is to participate
directly in infrastructure and training projects. The GOT is
looking for a clearer understanding of whether and how it can
offer these types of contributions. Post requests Department
guidance on how to steer Turkey's enthusiasm in a way that
would support our goals at the Berlin Conference. End
Comment and action request.

Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Turk ey

WILSON