US embassy cable - 04ANKARA3427

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 003427 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR G/TIP, G, INL, DRL, EUR/PGI, EUR/SE 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/16/2014 
TAGS: KCRM, PHUM, PGOV, SMIG, PREF, KWMN, TU, TIP IN TURKEY 
SUBJECT: TIP DEMARCHE DELIVERED, TURKISH MFA AVERS DEEP 
DISAPPOINTMENT 
 
REF: A. A) STATE 126025 
 
     B. B) STATE 109863 
     C. C) STATE 119407 
 
(U) Classified by Polcounselor John Kunstadter; reasons: 1.5 
(b,d). 
 
1. (C) June 14 Polcounselor delivered reftel points, TIP 
backgrounder and Turkey TIP Narrative to MFA DDG for Consular 
Affairs Haldun Otman.  DDG Otman averred deep disappointment 
in Turkey's designation.  TIP officer reviewed reasons for 
Turkey's Tier 2 Watch List ranking, noting that much of 
Turkey's anti-TIP momentum came late in the reporting period 
and therefore provided little opportunity to demonstrate 
measurable progress.  TIP officer requested and MFA Consular 
Affairs assistant accepted follow-up appointment to further 
review narrative and discuss future efforts to increase the 
flow of TIP-related information. 
 
2. (C) In a complication for notional plans for Secretary 
Powell to attend dedication of a TIP Victims' Shelter during 
the Istanbul NATO Summit, Otman confirmed reports that 
facilities initially identified for a TIP victims' shelter 
are not available.  Instead, Otman asserted that the NGO 
Human Resources Development Foundation (HRDF), MFA and the 
Istanbul Municipality are endeavoring to locate 2 rental 
apartment units which may be converted into a single shelter. 
 To date, specific facilities have not been identified. 
Polcounselor highlighted the importance of immediate action, 
particularly given the Secretary's commitment to attend a 
dedication ceremony for the facility.  Otman asserted that 
progress depends on 1) HRDF's ability to quickly locate 
suitable facilities, 2) the municipality's ability to close 
on a rental agreement with property owner/s, and 3) further 
pressure from MFA on the Istanbul Municipality and HRDF to 
sign a cooperative protocol.  Embassy Ankara continues to 
urge swift action. 
EDELMAN