White House comments on the call between Pres Obama and PM Erdogan

White House National Security Council Assistant Press Secretary Laura Lucas commented on Pres Obama and PM Erdogan's phone call which was taken place on Wednesday. Last time the two leaders spoke was 6.5 months ago. Its full readout was published on Wednesday in this blog:

Q: What did you think of the letter sent to Pres Obama on Thursday morning, which is signed by 84 foreign policy experts, former officials, Congressional members & ambassadors etc.?

Lucas: 
''As you know, we don’t comment on presidential correspondence.  More broadly, however, in his call with PM Erdogan on Wednesday, the President raised issues related to the rule of law, as well as the importance of mutually respectful relations between our countries. As you know, the U.S. government repeatedly has been clear about the importance of Turkey upholding principles of due process, freedoms of speech and assembly, and a free media.''  

Commented: Readout of President Obama’s Call with Prime Minister Erdogan

Readout of President Obama’s Call with Prime Minister Erdogan

President Obama spoke by phone today with Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey on a range of bilateral and regional issues. The President affirmed the value he places on a strong, mutually respectful bilateral relationship with the Republic of Turkey and expressed his view that Turkey can demonstrate leadership in the world through positive engagement.  (Obama asks Erdogan to be positive & constructive while engaging w/the world, instead of scolding so that he can claim a leadership. It's now open-secret that Erdogan's engagement w/the rest of the world, during Egypt coup, Gezi Protests, finally the corruption/graft case cannot be qualified as constructive.)

The President and Prime Minister agreed on the importance of close cooperation between our two countries to address the growing terrorist presence in Syria and on the shared interest in continuing efforts to advance a political solution to the Syria conflict. (Obama's first direct emphasize on "terrorist presence in Syria" while speaking to Erdogan. Apparently Obama thinks Erdogan can do better to address this problem. And referring the political solution. Straight American arguments on Syria.)

The President and Prime Minister discussed the importance of encouraging Baghdad and Erbil to find common ground on energy issues and supporting the agreement they achieve.  (Obama reiterates the same US position that PM Erdogan should seek consent of Baghdad over the energy issues while dealing with Erbil.)

The President thanked the Prime Minister for his constructive role in the effort on Cyprus to renew negotiations for a settlement.  (One and only thanks to Erdogan from Obama in the readout) The Prime Minister noted the launch ceremony for the Boeing 737 Peace Eagle on Friday. 

The President and Prime Minister spoke about the importance of quickly concluding the normalization agreement with Israel. (Obama is clearly not satisfied by how the 'normalization process is going. Also recent consensus between Israel-Turkey on a text to normalize relations now again on hold. Before the local elections at the end of the March, observers think Erdogan is not thinking to move forward to normalize the relations. Another request or homework for Erdogan/) 

The leaders also discussed the need for strong, sustainable, and balanced growth in the global economy, and the President noted the importance of sound policies rooted in the rule of law to reassure the financial markets, nurture a predictable investment environment, strengthen bilateral ties, and benefit the future of Turkey. (The final sentence of the readout seems to me the most important one. This sentence implies that the recent bills/legislations ought to be in line w/rule of law.. Clearly referring to recent policies after the graft/corruption case, purging judiciary members and security forces in addition to Internet (censorship) bill, Judicial (HSYK) bill, now the new Intelligence bill. Obama reminds Erdogan about the rule of law, o/wise Erdogan's risking country's investment climate, financial markets.. also Obama warns that the sound policies rooted in the rule of law necessary to ... strengthen bilateral ties w/the US.) 

Though, at the end, talking to the US Pres is a plus for the AKP gov. and they will use the call domestic purposes as well. 

Qs & As on Turkey Internet & Judicial Bill, Iran-Syria

Via-Phone Daily Press Briefing Index

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

1:11 p.m. EST

Briefer: Marie Harf, Deputy Spokesperson

MS. HARF:  Yeah.  Looks like the next question is from Ilhan Tanir, if you could open his line, please.

QUESTION:  Hi Marie, do you hear me?

MS. HARF:  I can hear you, Ilhan, yes.

QUESTION:  Thank you for taking the call.  A quick two questions on Turkey and one question on Syria-Iran.  Question on Turkey:  There are two bills just passed at the parliament and the first one is internet bill.

MS. HARF:  Uh-huh.

QUESTION:  It just actually approved by the President Gul yesterday, and it’s criticized by outside and inside, by many corners.  What’s your reaction to this bill?

MS. HARF:  Yep.  So this is – what we said when the legislation was first approved by the parliament, we share the serious concerns raised by the OSCE and others that the law has the potential to severely restrict free expression, freedom of the press, and access to information over the internet.  We also believe that the law could negatively impact Turkey’s business and investment climate.

We understand that the legislation improved by – approved, excuse me, by President Gul will be subject to further modification by parliament.  During this process, as well as the implementation of any final legislation, I’d say we’re looking to Turkey to uphold – again, I’ve talked about it a few times today – but fundamental freedoms of expression and a free and independent media.

QUESTION:  So as you mentioned, there are two modifications by President Gul.  Will be okay if those two modifications are amended or done at the parliament?

MS. HARF:  I wasn’t saying that.  Obviously, we are looking to Turkey during this process to uphold the fundamental freedoms that really underscore why we’re concerned about this legislation.  I’m not going to get into more detailed analysis about the law or possible modifications.  We’ll take a look at what happens when it happens and make assessments at that time.

QUESTION:  Thank you.  And the second bill, this one passed at the parliament – I asked this question about three weeks ago – and it is awaiting President Gul’s signature again.  It is the bill on the judicial council that will hand control of the judiciary to the executive branch, being again criticized by the EU many, many times, and also there is a big reaction within Turkey.  Do you have any reaction to this one?

MS. HARF:  I haven’t seen the specifics on that one, Ilhan.  I know you’ve asked about this a few times, so let me check with our folks and see if we have more of a response.  I know we don’t always comment on sort of internal Turkish matters, but let me check and see what I can do.

QUESTION:  Actually, that’s exactly what I am asking for, because if you are taking this bill as an internal matter, that means that you’re not taking it as the universal value of democracy as judicial control that will have control to the entire judiciary to the executive branch.  So even if you can get back to me on this, whether you’re taking this as internal matter or as something that will deal blow to the separation of powers would be immensely helpful for the writing record in history.

MS. HARF:  Yep.  Let me see what I can do for you, Ilhan. 

QUESTION:  Thank you.  And my final question is – this question was asked again several times in the past.  This is about the U.S. Treasury’s statement issued on February 7th or 6th about operatives in Iran that is – they have been helping.  According to Treasury statement, they’ve been helping to transfer funds and fighters to Syria for the al-Qaida elements.  Do you have anything on this this time?

MS. HARF:  I really just don’t have more on this than I think we’ve talked about.  I’d refer you to the Treasury Department and my colleagues there to speak to this.

QUESTION:  Actually, I talked to them.  They referred me to you to comment on this.

MS. HARF:  I love when that happens.  So I’ll refer you back, and I will talk with them and see if we can get you anything.  Again, it’s a Treasury designation --

QUESTION:  Yes.

MS. HARF:  -- so I think they’re probably most appropriate to speak to that issue.

QUESTION:  This is about how Iranian operatives are in Iran helping al-Qaida elements in Syria.  This kind of analysis or your take on this is the question to you.

MS. HARF:  Well, look, broadly speaking, we’ve made our concerns clear about some of Iran’s activities in Syria.  But beyond that, let me talk to my Treasury colleagues, but I’d recommend you give them another call and they can speak to their designation a little bit more.

QUESTION:  Thank you.

MS. HARF:  Thank you, Ilhan. 

Readout of President Obama’s Call with Prime Minister Erdogan

HE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 19, 2014

Readout of President Obama’s Call with Prime Minister Erdogan

President Obama spoke by phone today with Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey on a range of bilateral and regional issues.  The President affirmed the value he places on a strong, mutually respectful bilateral relationship with the Republic of Turkey and expressed his view that Turkey can demonstrate leadership in the world through positive engagement.  The President and Prime Minister agreed on the importance of close cooperation between our two countries to address the growing terrorist presence in Syria and on the shared interest in continuing efforts to advance a political solution to the Syria conflict.  The President and Prime Minister discussed the importance of encouraging Baghdad and Erbil to find common ground on energy issues and supporting the agreement they achieve.  The President thanked the Prime Minister for his constructive role in the effort on Cyprus to renew negotiations for a settlement.  The Prime Minister noted the launch ceremony for the Boeing 737 Peace Eagle on Friday. The President and Prime Minister spoke about the importance of quickly concluding the normalization agreement with Israel.  The leaders also discussed the need for strong, sustainable, and balanced growth in the global economy, and the President noted the importance of sound policies rooted in the rule of law to reassure the financial markets, nurture a predictable investment environment, strengthen bilateral ties, and benefit the future of Turkey.

US Treasury Talks About Turkey's Role on Al Qaida Flow into Syria

 Treasury Targets Networks Linked To Iran

As head al-Qa’ida facilitator in Iran, Yasin al-Suri is responsible for overseeing al-Qa’ida efforts to transfer experienced operatives and leaders from Pakistan to Syria, organizing and maintaining routes by which new recruits can travel to Syria via Turkey, and assisting in the movement of al-Qa’ida external operatives to the West.

Al-Qa’ida’s network in Iran has facilitated the transfer of funds from Gulf-based donors to al-Qa’ida core and other affiliated elements, including the al-Nusrah Front in Syria.  The Iran-based al-Qa’ida network has also leveraged an extensive network of Kuwaiti jihadist donors to send money to Syria via Turkey.

WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced actions targeting a diverse set of entities and individuals located around the world for evading U.S. sanctions against Iran, aiding Iranian nuclear and missile proliferation, and supporting terrorism.  These actions reflect the United States’ sustained commitment to continue enforcing our existing sanctions as the P5+1 and Iran work toward a comprehensive solution to address the international community’s concerns over Iran’s nuclear program.

“The global targets designated today play key roles in supporting Iran’s nuclear program and active support for terrorism.  The United States has made clear that as it implements the Joint Plan of Action, contingent on Iran satisfying its own commitments, the overwhelming majority of sanctions remain in effect and will continue to be vigorously enforced,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen. 

Today’s actions target entities and individuals located across the world, operating in Turkey, Spain, Germany, Georgia, Afghanistan, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Liechtenstein.

Ali Canko and the Tiva Sanat Group

Turkish citizen Ali Canko assisted the Iran-based Tiva Sanat Group in its attempts to procure and reverse engineer a weapons-capable fast boat to be used by the IRGC-Navy.  The Tiva Sanat Group is comprised of Tiva Kara, Tiva Darya, and Tiva Polymer.  Tiva Sanat Group uses front companies to acquire foreign technology and components, with at least one intermediary expressing concern that a payment would be interdicted by the U.S. Treasury because the intermediary falsely claimed to be the end-user for equipment that was intended for Tiva Sanat. Ali Canko has served as a financial intermediary for payments from the Tiva Sanat Group to various international suppliers.  The IRGC was designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 in October 2007 for having engaged, or attempted to engage, in proliferation-related activities.

Terrorism – al-Qa’ida’s Network in Iran

Today the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the designation of a key Iran-based al-Qa’ida facilitator who supports al-Qa’ida’s vital facilitation network in Iran, that operates there with the knowledge of Iranian authorities.  The network also uses Iran as a transit point for moving funding and foreign fighters through Turkey to support al-Qa’ida-affiliated elements in Syria, including the al-Nusrah Front.

Olimzhon Adkhamovich Sadikov

Treasury today designated Iran-based Islamic Jihad Union facilitator Olimzhon Adkhamovich Sadikov (also known as Jafar al-Uzbeki and Jafar Muidinov) for acting for on behalf of and providing support to al-Qa’ida.

Today's action, taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, follows Treasury’s designations in July 2011 of Ezedin Abdel Aziz Khalil (also known as Yasin al-Suri) and October 2012 of Adel Radi Saqr al-Wahabi al-Harbi, two al-Qa’ida officials who served as the head and deputy of al-Qa’ida's Iran network, respectively.  The State Department also authorized rewards totaling $17 million for information leading to the locations of al-Suri and al-Harbi, and additionally offered $10 million in October 2012 for information leading to the location of Muhsin al-Fadhli, who previously led the Iran-based al-Qa’ida network, and was designated by Treasury and the United Nations in February 2005.

Jafar al-Uzbeki is a member of the Islamic Jihad Union and provides logistical support and funding to al-Qa’ida's Iran-based network.  As an associate of designated al-Qa’ida facilitator Yasin al-Suri, al-Uzbeki serves as a key extremist smuggler based in Mashhad, Iran, near the country's border with Afghanistan, and has provided visas and passports to numerous foreign fighters, including al-Qa'ida recruits, to facilitate their travel.  Al-Uzbeki has assisted extremists and operatives transiting Iran on their way into and out of Pakistan and Afghanistan.  Al-Uzbeki has also provided funding to al-Suri, who has resumed leadership of al-Qa’ida's Iran-based network after being temporarily detained there in late 2011.

Full Statement: http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2287.aspx

Kerry met w Davutoglu

A Senior State Department Official:

Secretary Kerry and Foreign Minister Davutoglu met this afternoon on the margins of the Munich Security Conference.  They discussed the need to continue pressing the Syrian regime to abide by their commitment to move chemical weapons to the port at Latakia.  They agreed that more needed to be done to increase humanitarian access, and the delay in providing access for convoys into Homs and other besieged areas was simply unacceptable.  They also talked about the next round of negotiations in Geneva and the importance of both the regime and the opposition coming to the table committed to discussing the implementation of the Geneva communique.

Finally they discussed Cyprus and the United States’ support for the negotiation process, conducted under the UN’s good offices, to reunify the island into a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.