[Sweden]: Message to Turkiye

[Connor]

Kingdom of Sweden Holmgren Administration

March 2007​

Dear Ambassador Hakkı Emre Yunt,

By order of the Executive Office of the Prime Minister and following the recent legal matters surrounding Turkish Aerospace Industries and the blatant attempt by your government to undermine, disregard the sovereignty and dignity of the Kingdom of Sweden we have given ample opportunity for representatives to come forward to discuss how our relationship progresses from this point. It has become abundantly clear that there is no intention for this to take place and despite our serious economic sanctions, this has has little effect on your wholly unacceptable behaviour. Your government represents a serious breach of international norms and the trust that underpins diplomatic process, with no remorse.

Let it be clear, the Government of Sweden will not tolerate this disrespect. Should your government fail to initiate immediate and transparent diplomatic contact to address these violations in good faith, the Kingdom of Sweden will be compelled to take decisive measures. These measures include, but are not limited to, the immediate expulsion of all Turkish diplomatic staff from Swedish territory and the initiation of arrest proceedings for those deemed to be appropriate representatives of the state in accordance with Swedish and international law.

These steps are not threats, they are lawful consequences of continued disregard for our sovereignty. Sweden has historically acted with restraint and professionalism in the face of diplomatic challenges, but repeated violations and disrespect cannot be ignored. So, the choice is clear, engage promptly in good-faith diplomatic discussions to resolve these matters, restore the integrity of your missions and preserve the foundations of bilateral relations or expect armed law enforcement at your front door to execute your arrest.

I trust that your government will consider this correspondence with seriousness. Sweden remains prepared to resolve this matter diplomatically, but only if approached with the transparency, respect and urgency that the situation demands.

Regards,
Erik Sandberg
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Department of Foreign Affairs

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All information is encrypted and subject to the Swedish Document Classification and Security Act 1995​

Following the delivery of the formal diplomatic warning to Turkiye, Directorate 47 initiated a discreet operational deployment to ensure continuous oversight of the embassy and its personnel. Agents from the Intelligence Reconnaissance Division (OWL), HUMINT Operations Cell would be carefully positioned around the perimeter and immediate vicinity of the Turkish mission. These operators are fully blended into the civilian envrionment, posing as pedestrians, delivery staff and ordinary passersby to ensure their presence is undetectable to both embassy staff and the public. Their tasking is it maintain a rolling watch on all movements into and out of the compound, noting vehicle arrivals, staff rotations and any unexplained departures.

Complementing the physical surveillance the Technical Surveillance and Electronics Cell within the Operational Support Division (FALCON) would be tasked with covert monitoring platforms designed to intercept communications traffic without leaving any obvious signature. To the outside eye, the area remains calm and uneventful, but in reality a layered surveillance network now engulfs the embassy and its staff. Should the Ambassador or senior personnel attempt to deviate from expected diplomatic channels, agents will transition seamlessly into close shadow surveillance, tracking them through Stockholm with the same invisible presence, their movements logged and relayed in real time to command. Every detail is captured, every anomaly flagged, all while Sweden's highly trained agents remain unseen.
Jay

 

[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted ŞİFRELEME KORUMASI: KAPLUĞA​

[Recipient]: Department of Foreign Affairs < Connor > [Sender]: Embassy of Türkiye Sweden< embassy.stockholm@mfa.gov.tr > [Subject]: Confidential // Response to March 2007 Letter

Dear Mr. Sandberg The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye confirms its receipt of your correspondence dated March 2007 and notes that this is the first official communication from your government since November 2000. Then under the stewardship of Prime Minister Löfven, who wrote a letter to former President Şahin. Noting, of course, that President Şahin’s November 2000 response and Assistant Secretary Ulusoy’s December 2000 letters remained unanswered by your Government. The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye takes note of this formal letter, following a series of public statements in the press concerning allegations raised by the Government of Sweden. The Republic of Türkiye was not formally informed of these allegations through proper diplomatic channels. As a long-standing and respected member of the international community, the Government of Türkiye would have expected the Government of Sweden to exercise the courtesy of formal engagement before advancing such claims. The tone and tenor of the letter in question are therefore received with particular disappointment. According to the records of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, the Government of Sweden has, to date, neither raised formal complaints nor conveyed such matters through official diplomatic exchanges. This observation is not intended to apportion blame, but to clarify that Sweden is mistaken if it believes that such language can contribute to fostering a climate of good-faith dialogue. On the contrary, such an approach risks conveying disregard for international law and diplomatic norms. The Government of Türkiye remains firmly committed to the peaceful and diplomatic resolution of disputes. However, it cannot and will not accept threats or language of an intimidating character. In line with the position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it must be underlined that the Government of Türkiye will reciprocate in kind any measures undertaken by the Swedish Government and will respond appropriately to further provocation. The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye therefore, urges the Government of Sweden to act with the responsibility expected of a nation of its standing. The use of inflammatory and unbecoming rhetoric is inconsistent with Sweden’s long and respected tradition of supporting peace and constructive international engagement. The Government of Türkiye reaffirms its readiness to engage in dialogue and calls upon the Government of Sweden to refrain from any unlawful attempts to harass or detain members of the Turkish diplomatic mission duly accredited and lawfully present within the Kingdom of Sweden. Please accept, Mr. Sandberg, the assurances of my highest consideration. Hakkı Emre Yunt Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye Dag Hammarskjölds Vag 20 115 27 Stockholm, Sweden Phone Number: +46 8 667 29 60

Most mornings, between seven and eight, the diplomats emerged in staggered succession. Wearing Dark overcoats, carrying briefcases, and the occasional exchange of pleasantries in muted Turkish as they entered the embassy. By one PM, some of the offices emptied with similar regularity. Small clusters of staff would depart on foot to eat at nearby bistros or go for strolls in the park, their return just as punctual by two. Six o’clock saw the building steadily hollowed out again, save for a handful of Turkish security men and a few administrative staff who lingered at their desks until the late hours.

The Ambassador himself had his habits. In the early evenings, he was sometimes seen walking around Gärdet’s fields. On other occasions, he appeared in Nobelparken, strolling through the diplomatic quarter, pausing near the stillness of the water and seeing the boats lined up.

Occasionally, the Ambassador and other embassy staff found leisure at Diwan, a Persian restaurant favored by several mid-ranking diplomats. Ordering tea and platters of saffron rice, lingering over long, convivial meals that stretched well into the evening. Their conversations, if listened to by an agent near them, yielded little more than anecdotes from their lives back home, complaints about Stockholm’s weather, and the gossip of different events in the diplomatic quarter or their own lives.

The only noticeable different, looking back if the Swedes did, would be that the tempo at the Embassy was more active when they started surveillance. After the delivery of the letter, the Ambassador began spending longer hours in his office. While some of his staff departed, he and senior-level diplomats were in the building well past six, and would come in earlier.

Thus, the Swedish record would be sparse aside from seeing the general periods of arrival, depature, and occasional outings in groups.

 

[Connor]

Kingdom of Sweden Holmgren Administration

March 2007​

Dear Ambassador Hakkı Emre Yunt,

You can be rest assured that your correspondence has been recieved and it is noted that your reply dwells extensively on the tone and formality, yet remains silent on the substantive issues raised by our government in a number of public addresses and our original correspondence.

I fear that this government has not be clear enough. We cannot accept the suggestion that the expression of greivance through public channels invalidate the legitimacy of the allegations themselves and honestly, the mere misdirection to that strand is disappointing. When the conduct of representatives of Turkiye presents matters of deep rooted concern to Sweden's national security and public order, it is the responsibility of this government to act quickly, decisively and transparently. Diplomacy cannot be invoked as a shield for behaviour that undermines the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Sweden. Transparency is essential and we cannot be any more transparent than a public address. You are correct in that direct correspondence has not taken place, but we are confident that you are well aware of our grievances and your lack of contact with me or my colleagues is other further deep-rooted in sheer disrespect to this realm.

Your letter makes numerous references to intimidation and threats. But let me clear the air and ensure there are no misunderstandings. We do not employ rhetoric lightly and we do not issue warnings we are not prepared to enforce. Where we identify unlawful activity, action will be taken and it will be taken firmly. The responsibility for escalation or de-escalation lies entirely with the conduct of Turkiye and its representatives. We remain open to dialogue with your nation, but only on the basis of mutual respect. Attempts to deflect responsibility or portray Sweden's vigilance as provocation will not be entertained.

The suggestion in your letter appears to be that similar steps will be taken against our own diplomatic mission. Despite your clear lack of knowledge, despite it being your area of responsibility, I will update you on the current affairs between our nations. The Kingdom of Sweden has not operated a diplomatic mission in Turkiye since the War of the Middle East where it was announced that it would be suspended. Ironically our government then made reference to intimidation tactics by your nation and we made it clear that, quote - "Sweden will not be intimidated... and we will respond where necessary to defend our allies, friends, partners and national interests." and referenced breaches of international law. It seems your nation has a strong-held history with violating the integrity of nations around the world. Sound familiar?

Our reputation will not falter. You have disrespected this realm at a time we were working to support you and your nation in a time of hardship. That is a disgrace.

We remain prepared to pursue diplomatic engagement in good faith. Equally, we are prepared to respond in full measure to any actions by Turkiye that compromise its sovereignty, the safety of its people or the resolution of this matter.

Regards,
Erik Sandberg
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Department of Foreign Affairs

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RESTRICTED
Crown Copyright © Kingdom of Sweden
All information is encrypted and subject to the Swedish Document Classification and Security Act 1995​

The senior diplomats of the mission had reacted exactly as the Directorate 47 analysts had expected. Routined maintained, habits unbrokjen and lives conducted with careful monotony. This predictability was in itself confirmation that the earlier warning had registered. Rather than exposing weakness, the embassy continued to operate exactly as expected. It was no secret around the world that having a building in the middle of a foreign capital city was an intelligence community's field day, but nonetheless their mission was not gathering national secrets. It was to monitor and report. For Directorate 47 nothing changes, they would continue their surveillance, logging each repetition with quiet precision, waiting for the moment when that routine showed error.

Simultaneously the Operational Support Division (FALCON) flagged the biometric and travel documentation of Ambassador Yunt and senior-ranking diplomats across Swedish immigration systems. Any attempt to board an outbound flight, cross a checkpoint or process travel documents would immediately trigger priority alerts to Directorate 47's command. In person, they would be directed to a secondary screening to check for liquids and prohibited items in their baggage. Nothing out of the ordinary on the face of it.

The Ambassador's evening walks, once logged merely as a matter of routine, were now shadowed with closer precision. Low-visibility teams tracked his movements with a persistence that ensured no deviation would go unnoticed. Conversations, contacts and pauses at seemingly innocuous locations were collated into a broader analytical framework, cross-referenced against intercepted communications to identify hidden intent beneath the normalcy. But, as expected, little was found. Which in a way was reassuring to the surveillance units which continued their somewhat easy tasking. The directive from command was explicit: the Ambassador and his inner circle were not to leave Swedish soil. What to an outside observer appeared to be the ordinary rhythm of diplomatic life was, in reality, a carefully contained environment in which every movement, interaction and potential avenue of escape was monitored and controlled.
Jay

 

[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted ŞİFRELEME KORUMASI: KAPLUĞA​

[Recipient]: Department of Foreign Affairs < Connor > [Sender]: Embassy of Türkiye Sweden< embassy.stockholm@mfa.gov.tr > [Subject]: Confidential // Response to March 2007 Letter

Dear Mr. Sandberg The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye confirms its receipt of your second correspondence dated March 2007. Turkiye remains steadfast in its commitment to international law has always sought to foster dialogue and welcome this opportunity. The Government of the Republic of Turkiye firmly believes in the peaceful resolution of all disputes and welcomes this opportunity. Türkiye continues to extend its readiness to pursue dialogue in good faith. The Ambassador remains open to discussing this situation with the Swedish Government and asks for an invitation detailing the venue, time, and date for the meeting to allow for discussions to take place. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurances of my highest consideration. Respectfully, Hakkı Emre Yunt Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye Dag Hammarskjölds Vag 20 115 27 Stockholm, Sweden Phone Number: +46 8 667 29 60

 

[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted ŞİFRELEME KORUMASI: KAPLUĞA​

[Recipient]: Department of Foreign Affairs < Connor > [Sender]: Embassy of Türkiye Sweden< embassy.stockholm@mfa.gov.tr > [Subject]: Confidential // Response to March 2007 Letter

Dear Mr. Sandberg The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye presents its compliments and has the honor to recall its letter of April 2007, in which the Government of the Republic of Türkiye expressed its readiness to hold a meeting with the Government of Sweden. Regrettably, the Embassy has not yet received confirmation of the receipt of that correspondence, nor has an appropriate time and date for such a meeting been communicated. The Embassy further notes that Sweden has previously emphasized a sense of urgency with regard to this matter. Türkiye, therefore, urges the Government of Sweden to follow through with that expressed urgency by providing the necessary details, namely the venue, time, and date, so that discussions may take place without further delay. The Government of the Republic of Türkiye remains committed to resolving all disputes through diplomatic channels and by peaceful means, in accordance with the principles of international law. In this regard, Türkiye looks forward to engaging in constructive dialogue with the Government of Sweden and to addressing any alleged grievances in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurances of my highest consideration. Respectfully, Hakkı Emre Yunt Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye Dag Hammarskjölds Vag 20 115 27 Stockholm, Sweden Phone Number: +46 8 667 29 60

 

[Connor]

Kingdom of Sweden Holmgren Administration

June 2007​

Ambassador Hakkı Emre Yunt,

I can confirm that the Department of Foreign Affairs acknowledges receipt of your recent correspondence.

By direct order of the Executive Office of the Prime Minister and pursuant to the authority vested in the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden, you are hereby formally and finally summoned to appear before the Department of Foreign Affairs at Arvfurstens Palats, Gustav Adolfs Tog 1, Stockholm. No delegation, proxy or substitute will be accepted and any failure for your attendance in person will be treated as a deliberate and hostile refusal to engage in good-faith diplomacy which would in-turn trigger immediate unilateral measures by the Kingdom of Sweden.

It is the demand of the Prime Minister that a full on-the-record explanations of the actions by Turkish state organs and state-affiliated entities that have materially interfered with Sweden's sovereignty, national security, public order and lawful economic interests; produce unredacted and contemporaneous records of communications, documents and other evidence relation to those actions; identify, by name and role, all Turkish state and commercial actors involved including any third-party agents, representatives or front companies; provide firm, written assurances that such activities will cease immediately.

To be clear, failure to comply with this summon or any attempt to obstruct the meeting, provide manifestly false, evasive or incomplete responses will result in extensive formal legal response.

My view is that this matter is resolved in a timely, diplomatic setting and manner. The urgency of this meeting is not diminished by any undue delay to this summons, but much rather a cost of an extensive disrespect to this realm.

Regards,
Erik Sandberg
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Department of Foreign Affairs

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CONFIDENTIAL
Crown Copyright © Kingdom of Sweden
All information is encrypted and subject to the Swedish Document Classification and Security Act 1995​

Jay

 

[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted ŞİFRELEME KORUMASI: KAPLUĞA​

[Recipient]: Department of Foreign Affairs < Connor > [Sender]: Embassy of Türkiye Sweden< embassy.stockholm@mfa.gov.tr > [Subject]: Confidential // Response to March 2007 Letter

Dear Mr. Sandberg The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye confirms its receipt of your correspondence dated July 2007. Turkiye remains steadfast in its commitment to international law and firmly believes in the peaceful resolution of all disputes and welcomes this opportunity. The Embassy reiterates its note dated March 2007, where it expressed Türkiye's openness to pursue dialogue in good faith. The Ambassador shall avail himself to respond to your formal summons in your correspondence dated July 2007. The Government of the Republic of Türkiye remains committed to resolving all disputes through diplomatic channels and by peaceful means, in accordance with the principles of international law. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurances of my highest consideration. Respectfully, Hakkı Emre Yunt Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye Dag Hammarskjölds Vag 20 115 27 Stockholm, Sweden Phone Number: +46 8 667 29 60

The Turkish Embassy sat in the quiet of the Östermalm district, the red-brick building was shadowed by birch trees and the faint hum of morning traffic. A cool August wind drifted through the streets was followed by and the distant toll of a church bell.

From the embassy gates, a dark Mercedes S-Class emerged, with its diplomatic plates and tinted glass absorbing the pale northern sunlight. The Turkish flag fluttered subtly on a short antenna at the hood. Inside, the air was cool.

Ambassador Hakkı Yunt adjusted his tie absently and scrolled through the morning’s Swedish press on his phone. His brow furrowed as headlines in Svenska Dagbladet and Dagens Nyheter flitted past. Hakkı's eyes lingered on the latest since the election.

Beside him sat his translator and aide, Nazenin Demir, a quiet woman with dark brown hair in her early thirties. Her encrypted tablet was open, displaying briefing notes from the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs' correspondence with the Embassy. She looked up briefly.

“There hasn't been anything from Ankara since their message last evening,” she said softly, her voice barely audible above the muted hum of the car’s engine. “Here are the notes regarding the Prime Minister's position regarding the letters and a request to set up a meeting after the summons to brief the Minister.”

Hakkı nodded as he set his phone aside and looked at the papers containing the notes from the Ministry. In the front passenger seat, Major Kemal Ertunc, the embassy’s military attaché, shifted slightly, the leather of his coat creaking faintly. His gaze remained fixed ahead, scanning the streets of Stockholm.

“Summonses rarely bring good news,” Hakkı murmured, his voice calm as he returned to scrolling on his phone. "The host government usually does a lot of talking, but the Swedes have been unorthodox to say the least. He said with a smile, looking at Nazenin. "Is this your first summons?"

Nazenin shook her head. "No, sir. I assisted Ambassador Metin Mekik during a summon in Cairo back in 2002." She said as she placed the documents in a closed binder and placed it into her handbag.

The driver, a local hire who’d been with the embassy for five years, turned onto Strandvägen, the long avenue running parallel to the water. Outside, the city was deceptively serene. Swedes on bicycles glided past rows of embassies, the flags of different countries rippling above clean sidewalks. The morning sun reflected off the placid water of Nybroviken, throwing fractured light into the sedan’s bulletproof windows.

Nazenin glanced toward the Ambassador’s phone. “Sir, if I may, what are you thinking they'll talk about in the summons?"

Hakkı looked up as he closed his phone. “Well. It might be about this story they are developing about Myanmar, or focused on the companies. Did you read the briefing from last week?”

She hesitated. “Yes sir, but very briefly.”

Hakkı nodded. “Then you should understand our position Nazenin. We represent our country. Not a foreign power."

As the sedan approached Gustav Adolfs Torg, the skyline of Stockholm opened before them. Across the square, the stately façade of Arvfurstens Palats gleamed in the sunlight, home of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Flags fluttered in the wind above the building’s marble colonnade.

The car slowed to a deliberate stop at the edge of the courtyard. Major Ertunc stepped out while a Turkish security officer stepped out to open the door for the Ambassador.

Erdem exhaled slowly. “Seven minutes,” he said quietly, glancing at his watch. “It takes seven minutes to cross over here.” He said as he stepped out, leaving his phone with the other electronics in the car with the security officer who remained in the vehicle with the driver. As the Turks stepped out into the crisp Stockholm air, they walked towards the Ministry building, where Nazenin informed the front office that the Turkish Ambassador was here for his meeting. Hakkı sat in the open space of the building, reading a newspaper if it was available, or otherwise conversing with Kemal about their local sports team, Kayserispor, which was currently trailing fifth.