Cablegate: Importance of Coordination in Washington On Travel

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

160834Z Jan 04

UNCLAS ANKARA 000291

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG EPET PGOV PREL TU
SUBJECT: IMPORTANCE OF COORDINATION IN WASHINGTON ON TRAVEL
AND POLICY INITIATIVES CONCERNING TURKEY

From time to time we find it necessary to re-emphasize the
importance of coordinating policy initiatives in Washington
before engaging Turkish officials. Recently, officials from
a U.S. agency visited Ankara to discuss cooperation on energy
issues and made some specific proposals. Although they did
clear their travel with the Turkish Desk, the initiative was
not widely discussed and agreed in the policy community. The
Special Representative for Caspian Energy Diplomacy (CBED),
who has the mandate to coordinate Caspian energy policy, was
taken by surprise when questioned on the status of these
proposals during his recent visit here. As a result, both
the GOT and the Embassy were at a loss. If there is some
confusion about which offices should be consulted on policy
initiatives with Turkey, please contact the Turkish Desk at
State or consult with the appropriate officer in our embassy.
Embassy Ankara's ability to support policy initiatives and
grant country clearances for visitors depends on this
coordination taking place.
EDELMAN

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