TURKS AGREE TO FACILITATE TRAVEL WHEN POSSIBLE

SECRET S E C R E T ANKARA 004032 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/24/2013 TAGS: PGOV, PHUM, PREL, TU, IR, AJ, EZ SUBJECT: TURKS AGREE TO FACILITATE TRAVEL WHEN POSSIBLE REF: A) STATE 179144 (U) Classified by DCM Robert S. Deutsch. Reason: 1.5 (b,d) 1. (S) Embassy confirmed with Turkish officials that they remain willing to ensure the two journalists will be able to transit Turkey as they travel to Prague when a new itinerary is developed. GOT officials asked that their participation be kept confidential. During preparations for transit on June 24, GOT officials requested that an official from the Consulate in Istanbul not participate in the transit to minimize the possibility of drawing attention to the travelers. Separately, we had arranged with airport officials for permission to enter secured areas. A ConGen Istanbul official was going to be on the scene to confirm successful transit but maintaining a low profile so GOT officials would not upset. 2. (S) DCM spoke with the Deputy Director General for Middle Eastern Affairs Burcuoglu who personally conveyed the GOT's desire to be helpful in this matter. He stressed that Turkish involvement must not become known publicly. The Iran desk, responsible for actual coordination of the transit also repeated that they remain willing and able to assist with the transit when a new itinerary is developed. They are prepared to send written instructions to their Embassy in Baku. 3. (S) Embassy is coordinating changes in travel plans with ConGen Istanbul and will ensure an official is at the airport during any transit. 4. (U) Point of contact in Ankara remains Consul Laura Dogu. She can be reached through the Embassy switchboard at any time. 90-312-455-5555. PEARSON