US embassy cable - 02ANKARA9074

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 009074 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SE 
 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2007 
TAGS: PGOV, PREL, CASC, PHUM, SNAR, EINV, TU 
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S DEC. 17 MEETING WITH INTERIOR 
MINISTER AKSU 
 
 
Classified by Ambassador W. Robert Pearson; reasons 1.5 b and 
d. 
 
 
1. (U) Summary: In a December 17 meeting with new GOT 
Interior Minister Aksu, Ambassador discussed anti-torture 
efforts; police exchange programs; child abduction cases; 
trafficking in persons; and the problems faced by Amcits 
Victor and Kristy Bedoian in their efforts to operate a hotel 
in Van Province.  Aksu promised cooperation on all these 
issues.  End Summary. 
 
 
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Anti-Torture Efforts 
-------------------- 
 
 
2. (C) Ambassador praised recent GOT human rights reform 
steps, including reforms designed to crack down on torture by 
police.  Aksu's and others' strong statements condemning the 
use of torture have caught our attention.  Such statements 
and strong anti-torture support by the GOT will help the 
Turkish police adhere to the highest standards.  Aksu stated 
that he never tolerated torture in past stints as a minister, 
governor, sub governor, and police chief, and will not do so 
now.  The GOT has passed all the necessary anti-torture 
measures; now it's a question of thorough implementation.  If 
some local officials are not cracking down on the practice, 
they will be investigated.  On December 20 the Interior 
Ministry will hold the first in a series of planned meetings 
with local government officials and party leaders from across 
the country.  The meetings will focus on the implementation 
of the latest reform legislation.  If there are 
inconsistencies in the implementation of the new laws, 
including those related to torture, these will be addressed. 
 
 
 
 
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Police Exchange Programs 
------------------------ 
 
 
3. (C) Ambassador noted the success of U.S.-Turkey police 
exchange programs; 20 Turkish National Police (TNP) officers 
have been sent to the FBI Academy for training since 1999. 
The U.S. would like to continue and expand such efforts. 
Aksu said he promoted such exchanges with the U.S. during a 
previous stint as Interior Minister in 1988-91.  He has sent 
Turkish security officials to the U.S. for a variety of 
programs, including English language, forensics, hostage 
rescue, and close protection training.  In many cases, these 
officers have earned degrees from U.S. academies, and some 
have trained other officers on their return to Turkey.  Aksu 
has traveled to the U.S. to meet with high-level State 
Department, FBI, and DEA officials.  He said he is 
particularly interested in enhancing cooperation with the 
U.S. on anti-narcotics training. 
 
 
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Child Abduction 
--------------- 
 
 
4. (C) Ambassador asked for Aksu's support in handling child 
abduction cases.  Under the Hague Convention, children who 
are abducted and taken from a country in the midst of a 
custody dispute should be returned to that country so a court 
can rule on custody.  There are cases of children being 
abducted both from the U.S. to Turkey and from Turkey to the 
U.S.  Aksu said it is the GOT's responsibility to comply with 
the Hague Convention, and he will ensure the Interior 
Ministry does its part. 
 
 
---------------------- 
Trafficking in Persons 
---------------------- 
 
 
5. (C) Ambassador said the Embassy is eager to continue close 
cooperation with the GOT on trafficking in persons (TIP). 
The GOT has made recent progress, and the USG wants to help 
Turkey rise from Category III to Category II in the State 
Department's annual TIP report.  Aksu said he is aware of the 
issue, and believes Turkey must meet EU and U.S. standards in 
implementing international conventions against human 
trafficking.  He noted that the GOT in August passed reform 
legislation specifically designating human trafficking as a 
crime and establishing stiff prison terms for violators. 
 
 
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Bedoian Case 
------------ 
 
 
6. (C) Ambassador told Aksu Amcits Victor and Kristy Bedoian 
continue to face obstacles from local authorities in their 
efforts to operate a hotel they own in Van Province.  We 
would appreciate anything Aksu could do to help resolve the 
problem. 
PEARSON