US embassy cable - 05ANKARA779

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 000779 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/26/2015 
TAGS: AM, ASEC, KCRM, MNUC, PARM, PINR, PTER, TU 
SUBJECT: CESIUM 137 CONFISCATED AT THE TURKISH/GEORGIAN 
BORDER 
 
REF: A. YEREVAN 131 
     B. YEREVAN 154 
 
Classified By: Pol-Mil Counselor Timothy Betts, reason 1.4 b/d. 
 
1. (C)  EXBS Advisor met with Department Head for Customs 
Enforcement Ender Gurleyik on January 28, 2005 to request 
information concerning the truck parked between Georgian and 
Turkish customs gates (reftels).  Gurleyik confirmed that the 
truck carrying scrap metal set off the portal monitors at the 
Turkey/Georgia Sarp Border Gate on December 16, 2004.  The 
truck was stopped and a detailed inspection was conducted. 
It was determined that some of the scrap metal had been 
exposed to Cesium 137.  The truck was not allowed to enter 
Turkey and was directed to a secure parking area.  The 
Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) was notified. 
 
2.  (SBU) EXBS Advisor met again with Gurleyik on February 8. 
 Gurleyik informed EXBS Advisor that Customs was waiting for 
further instruction from TAEK on what to do with the truck. 
Gurleyik did confirm that the truck is still in the secure 
parking area. 
 
3.  (U) Comment:  We will follow up with TAEK Nuclear Safety 
Department to determine what past and future action TAEK 
intends to take. 
 
EDELMAN