US embassy cable - 04ANKARA6486

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 006486 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/16/2014 
TAGS: PREL, PTER, ETRD, TU, IZ 
SUBJECT: U.S./TURKEY/IRAQ TRILATERAL PROCESSES: WHO WILL 
REPRESENT THE U.S.? 
 
REF: A. BAGHDAD 1827 
 
     B. STATE 195610 
     C. STATE 201785 
     D. ANKARA 6312 AND PREVIOUS 
 
Classified By: DCM Robert S. Deutsch for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). 
 
1. (U) This is an action request--please see paras. five and 
six. 
 
2. (C) We appreciate Embassy Baghdad's clarification (ref a) 
regarding the IIG's plans for separate trilateral 
(U.S./IIG/GOT) talks on trucker/contractor security and on 
border security/PKK issues.  The Turks also believe these 
should be separate talks. 
 
3. (SBU) Both the IIG and the Turks are focusing on Nov. 29 
as the date for trucker security talks at or near the Habur 
Gate.  Per ref a, we understand the IIG MFA's Neighboring 
Countries Director will head the Iraqi delegation.  We 
understand from the Turks that an MFA Director General will 
lead the GOT delegation, which will also include 
representatives of the Turkish General Staff. 
 
4. (SBU) Per ref b, and our discussions with the Turks, we 
understand that the purpose of the talks is as follows: 
 
--To share real-time information on the security situation on 
roads from the border to Baghdad as well as the security 
situation for Turkish contractors working in coalition 
support. 
 
--To discuss operational issues of convoy formation and 
protection with relevant Iraqi and MNF-I commanders. 
 
--Turkish officials may also raise their desire for 
assistance from Iraqi and MNF-I commanders in obtaining 
documentation to substantiate for insurance purposes trucks 
and cargo lost in convoy. 
 
5. (C) Action request: We hope to continue to pursue ref b 
instructions for setting up trucker security talks.  Both the 
Turks and the Iraqis are lining up their delegations, and the 
Turks have a good idea of the issues they want to raise.  Per 
ref b, we request Washington and Baghdad (including MNF-I) 
identify the U.S. military and civilian representatives who 
will participate in the discussions and address the issues in 
para. four. 
 
6. (C) Action request, cont.: The agenda for border 
security/PKK talks was set out clearly in ref c, chiefly 
focusing on steps the IIG could take in this area.  We also 
request that Washington and Baghdad consider who will 
represent the USG at these talks. 
 
7. Baghdad minimize considered. 
 
EDELMAN