US embassy cable - 04ANKARA2822

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 002822 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
STATE FOR EUR/SE, SA 
 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/18/2014 
TAGS: PREL, MOPS, TU, AF 
SUBJECT: AFGHANISTAN AND PRTS:  TURKS SET ON TAKHAR 
 
 
REF: ANKARA 2736 AND PREVIOUS 
 
 
(U) Classified by Ambassador Eric S. Edelman.  Reasons:  1.5 
(B and D). 
 
 
1. (C) On the margins of a meeting on Cyprus (septel), MFA 
U/S Ziyal reiterated to Ambassador and UK Ambassador 
Westmacott that Turkey is committed to establishing a 
Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Takhar and is not 
considering alternative locations. 
 
 
2. (C) UK Amb. Westmacott opened the discussion on 
Afghanistan by observing there were a number of confusing 
messages on priority desired locations for new PRTs.  He 
noted there were security holes in Afghanistan that needed to 
be filled, and NATO was worried.  Westmacott also 
acknowledged that Turkey is providing three helicopters for 
ISAF. 
 
 
3. (C) Ziyal said Turkey was planning on deploying the 3rd 
Corps in Istanbul to Afghanistan from February to August 2005 
when they expect the NATO HRF to assume command of ISAF. 
1,500 troops would be deployed, and the GOT already had 
provided PM Erdogan a cost estimate.  Ziyal added that Turkey 
was prepared to establish a PRT where it would be useful. 
Westmacott said that new PRTs were needed in the West and the 
South, not in Takhar.  Ziyal said there were a number of good 
reasons why it made sense for Turkey to establish a PRT in 
Takhar, including logistics, familiarity with the region, and 
ease of communication with the local population.  In 
particular, they were concerned about their traditionally 
poor relations with Pushtuns, which suggested that it would 
be better if Turkey worked with other ethnic groups.  Ziyal 
acknowledged sensitivities about Turkey working with Dostum. 
 
 
4. (C) Amb. Edelman noted that the PRT Executive Steering 
Committee (ESC) in Kabul had produced a map identifying 
priority locations for new PRTs.  He suggested Turkey review 
the map.  Ziyal replied that Turkey needed to establish a PRT 
where it felt it will be most useful.  He expressed the 
concern that otherwise, the PRT would be "counterproductive" 
to Turkey's other efforts in Afghanistan and undermine future 
Turkish contributions. 
EDELMAN