VZCZCXYZ0044
PP RUEHWEB
DE RUEHAK #0531/01 0671550
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 081550Z MAR 07
FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1265
INFO RUEAHLC/HOMELAND SECURITY CENTER WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY
RHEHAAA/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
RHMFIUU/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY
UNCLAS ANKARA 000531
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR CMGT TU
SUBJECT: SMOOTHING THE ENTRY OF TURKISH OFFICIALS INTO THE
UNITED STATES
1. (U) Action request at para. 5.
2. (SBU) A Turkish delegation headed by Minister of State Ali
Babacan and Deputy Chief of the General Staff (DCHOD) GEN
Ergin Saygun and including Undersecretary for Defense
Industries Murad Bayar, TGS J-5 Strategy Division Chief MGEN
Serdar Savas and other officials will travel to Washington to
attend the annual American-Turkish Council (ATC) conference
from March 25-28. Their participation in our largest
bilateral business forum provides an opportunity to engage
the Turkish businesses and government on US participation in
the Turkish defense industry and address a host of bilateral
issues from a Congressional resolution on an Armenian
genocide to our cooperation against the PKK terrorist
organization. However, following recent visits to the US,
Turkish military and civilian officials have raised
complaints about perceived discriminatory treatment at US
ports. In an effort to ensure a productive visit on the eve
of a possible genocide resolution and Turkish Presidential
elections, post requests Department coordinate with the
Turkish Embassy to smooth the entry of these officials in
accordance with US security, immigration and customs
requirements.
3. (SBU) Following is a list of specific complaints received
about perceived unfair treatment of Turkish officials at US
borders. While both civilian and military officials have
complained of ill treatment during recent visits, the issue
is of greatest sensitivity to the military who resist what
they believe to be onerous security or immigration checks at
airports and US government facilities that are not
appropriate for their standing as a NATO ally:
-- The Ankara Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) received a
letter in June 2006 from TGS protesting that the delegation
led by LTG Zorlu to the March 2006 ATC conference, which was
traveling on NATO orders, had been sent to secondary
inspection by Border Protection officials while seeking to
depart the US at Reagan National Airport. The MFA followed
up with us to ask how to avoid this and similar problems in
the future.
-- During a November 2006 visit to Washington, GEN Saygun
walked away from a meeting with NSC Hadley when security
officials sought to "wand" him after he set off the
magnetometer at the entrance to the OEOB.
-- Also in 2006, three Turkish parliamentarians traveling on
diplomatic passports with A-2 visas were singled out of a
group of European MPs for additional security screening
before boarding a Washington to Tampa flight.
-- In January 2007, TGS sent a letter to ODC listing the TGS
complaints above; requesting that Turkish military officials
be accorded appropriate VIP treatment at US ports; and
advising that if US could not accommodate this request, TGS
may withdraw the right of US flag officers to VIP treatment
when visiting Turkey. In the absence of a similar VIP lounge
arrangement at US airports, and in accordance with required
security procedures, post worked with DOD and State Protocol
to ensure a smooth entry and exit for CHOD GEN Yasar
Buyukanit during his February 11-16, 2007 visit to New York
and Washington. Despite this, on March 5 TGS sent a second
note to ODC stating that in the absence of revised protocol
procedures for Turkish military officials visiting the United
States, TGS would not accord VIP treatment to US flag
officers who are not visiting Turkey at TGS invitation.
4. (SBU) Following each of the complaints noted in para. 3,
post notified the appropriate USG agencies in an effort to
gain a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding
each incident and to pave the way for future visits.
However, we understand that ultimate responsibility for
ensuring the smooth passage of Turkish officials through the
US entry and exit process rests with the Turkish mission in
Washington. While the Turkish Embassy should be aware of the
port courtesies available to foreign dignitaries and the
procedures for requesting them, due to staffing turnover or
other factors, it may not implement the necessary actions to
secure them for every visitor.
5. (SBU) Action Request: To assist the Turkish embassy to
facilitate this process, post requests the Department and
other relevant USG agencies to inform their counterparts at
the Turkish mission of the available courtesies and requisite
procedures and help to facilitate their completion for the
upcoming ATC conference and for future visits.
Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/
WILSON