EXTENSION OF INCIRLIK HUB AGREEMENTS

UNCLAS STATE 124977 SIPDIS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: IZ TU PARM MARR PREL POLM EPET SUBJECT: EXTENSION OF INCIRLIK HUB AGREEMENTS ¶1. (SBU) Background: Last year the Government of Turkey (GOT) extended the Incirlik Hub and Related Agreements (Tanker Basing, Retrograde, and FAA Aircraft) as the USG has requested annually in the past. End Background. ¶2. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST EMBASSY BAGHDAD: Embassy Baghdad is requested to engage the GOI and urge it to expedite delivery to the GOT of the dipnote (text provided below),supporting Turkish extension of the Incirlik Hub Agreements. ¶3. BEGIN TEXT: The Embassy of the Republic of Iraq presents its compliments to the Ministry of foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey and with reference to the permission given to the U.S. Government for the use of the Turkish Air Bases and Sea Ports until the present in support of stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Iraq, has the honour to reaffirm that reinforcing security and stability in Iraq are among the highest priorities of the Iraqi Government to realize the desired peace and prosperity for the Iraqi people. Continued support of the international community to the efforts of the Iraqi Government in reforming all the institutions and rebuilding the country for the well-being of the Iraqi people is essential. ¶4. In this context, the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq would like to underline the importance of the reconstruction and stabilization efforts carried out by the U.S. Government in Iraq and appreciates the support given so far by the Government of Turkey for these efforts. As the stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Iraq continue, the Government of the Republic of Iraq kindly requests the extension of the original authorization of 2003/5755 for one year until 31 December 2010 to allow the U.S. Government to continue its efforts regarding reconstruction and stabilization in Iraq and facilitate the removal of equipment from Iraq. ¶5. The Embassy of the Republic of Iraq avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey the assurances of its highest consideration. END TEXT. CLINTON