Bulletin 3 UNJLC Iraq

Content

In addition to providing a regional overview, UNJLC bulletins also aim at the production of country specific synopsises. As such, this week's bulletin is dedicated to the current logistical situation in Turkey. This structure will continue next week with an analysis of the situation pertaining to Iran.

• 1. Main Points of Entry
• 2. UN Agreements
• 3. Warehousing
• 4. UN Representation

1. Main Points of Entry

• Five main ports located in Turkey are considered practicable for possible operations. Iskenderum, Toros, and Izmir in the Mediteranean; Samsun and Istanbul in the Black Sea area. However, Mercin port on the Mediteranean coast has been declared out of bounds for humaintarian activities although UNICEF currently has some OFFP cargo stored in Mercin bonded warehouses.
• Iskenderun port will be utilised by all UN Agencies. It has approximately 18,000sqm of warehousing in close proximity. However, due to recent developments uncertainty has arisen over the availability of the port for humanitarian organisations. The UNCT is following up the issue with the relevent authorities.
• Toros port, with capacity for bulk cargo, will be utilised, in addition to Iskenderum, by WFP.

Airports:

• Four airports are considered viable for operations; Ankara (passenger), Diyarkabir (passenger), Gaziantep (cargo), and Van (passenger).
• Gaziantep has been designated as key logistical hub for Turkey. As such FAO, UNHCR and WFP have warehousing space in the locality while approximately 20,000 sqm of warehousing exists in the area. UNICEF will temporarily share space with WFP.
• Diyarkabir is currently designated for military purposes only, the Government of Turkey proposing Erzerum airport as an alternative for the humanitarian community. However, this alternate location is considered too far from appropriate routes and might not be included in schedules.
• An additional limitation is the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement to the UNCT that neither landing capability nor overflight would be allowed for planes outbound or inbound to/from Cyprus.

Border Crossings:

Four key border crossings have been identified in Turkey:
• Access to Iraq will largely pass through Habur border post which is situated between Silopi in Turkey and Zakho in Iraq. The border currently is designated as an UN Official Border.
• Links to Iran are provided through the Bazargan border (between Bogubeyazit in Turkey and Sufiyan in Iran) and the Razi border (between Erzerum in Turkey and Salmas in Iran). Both of these routes into Iran are reported as open.
• Crossings between Turkey and Syria complete the access/egress routes for Turkey and assessments of these are currently being compiled by UNJLC.

2. UN Agreements

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has issued tax exemption certificates to all accredited UN Agencies freeing them from taxes on locally procured goods and services. At this time WFP does not enjoy official status but is entitled to use another UNCT agency's certificate.

3. Warehousing

• The Turkish Government has indicated its willingness to facilitate the redesignation of non-bonded warehouses as bonded. This is due in part to the limited availability of bonded warehousing within the country. In addition, the normal limit of 90 days storage for goods in bonded warehousing can be extended if application is made by the UN Agency in writing.
• Goods stored in Free Zone warehousing will be liable for a 0.05% tax over which MFA and Customs have no control. Therefore, MFA recommends that the UN do not use Free Zone warehousing if they wish to avoid the charge.

4. UN Representation

Ankara has UN representation in the form of UNDP, UNIDO, WFP, WHO, UNHCR, UNICEF, FAO, and UNFPA while IOM and the Turkish Red Cross also maintain a presence. Istanbul and Van host a UNHCR sub office while UNHCR and IOM have a person each operating at the town of Silopi adjacent to the border with Iraq.