US embassy cable - 05ANKARA4185

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 004185 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/EUR, DS/DSS/ITA, EUR/EX, EUR/SE 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/19/2015 
TAGS: AMGT, ASEC, CASC, PREL, PTER, TU, Security 
SUBJECT: ANKARA CORE EAC MEETING 7/19/2005 
 
REF: ANKARA 04153 
 
Classified By: Charge Nancy McEldowney; reason 1.4 (c,d,g) 
 
1.  (C) On 07/19/05 the Core Emergency Action Committee (EAC) 
met to discuss post's security posture in the aftermath of 
recent bombings in the Aegean coast tourist towns of Cesme 
and Kusadasi.  The CORE EAC agreed to change the current 
country Consular Information sheet to reflect the recent 
bombings and to address the concerns of the US National 
Olympic Committee Governing Body's over participation in the 
August Summer World University Games in Izmir.  Participating 
in the CORE EAC were: Charge, ADCM, DAT, RSO, RAO, and CON. 
 
2.  (C)  The CORE EAC discussed whether the bomb placed on a 
mini-bus marked a change in PKK tactics to directly and 
specifically target foreign tourists rather than simply 
tourist areas as a means by which to damage the economy. The 
destroyed bus was used to transport passengers from the 
center of Kusadasi to a local beach.  In the summer months, 
the bus is used by some foreign tourists staying in hotels in 
the center of town hotels as transportation to the beach. 
Past bombings in tourist centers were usually confined to 
trash receptacles in outside areas in what appeared to be an 
effort by the PKK to limit the number of casualties.  Because 
of this change in tactics, the EAC recommended that post's 
Consular Information Sheet be updated to reflect the Cesme 
and Kusadasi bombings.  In addition, a set of specific Trip 
Wires will be developed by RSO to help post monitor and 
respond to changes in PKK activities. 
 
3.  (C) The CORE EAC also discussed the upcoming Summer World 
University Games.  RSO reported that there has been a 
continuing dialog with the security coordinator from the US 
Olympic Committee for a number of months.  The RSO stated the 
security coordinator had recently advised that the US Olympic 
Governing Body was beginning to question whether it would be 
safe for the US team to travel to Izmir for the games.  The 
CORE EAC concluded that PKK tactics in the recent bombings 
have been to target common, public areas in the coastal 
areas.  The CORE EAC concluded that the Turkish National 
Police will have a solid plan in place to adequately secure 
the Athlete's Village and other sporting venues in and around 
Izmir. The CORE EAC cited the recent success of the Istanbul 
NATO Summit as an example of the TNPs ability to provide 
adequate security for major events. The EAC agreed that the 
RSO should advise the US OCI security coordinator to continue 
planning for the event. 
MCELDOWNEY