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NATO Approves Deployment of Defense Equipment to Turkey
NATO has formally approved the deployment of defensive equipment to Turkey ahead of a possible war in Iraq. NATO's Defense Planning Committee made the decision Wednesday to deploy AWACS surveillance aircraft, Patriot anti-missile defense systems, and chemical-biological response units. It is not clear when the equipment will be sent. The United States welcomed the decision. U.S. NATO ambassador Nicholas Burns said alliance solidarity has prevailed. Wednesday's action follows the Defense Planning committee's decision Sunday to authorize the start of military planning to defend Turkey, ending a stalemate over the issue within the alliance. France, which opposed the move, is not a member of the committee. Turkey is the only NATO member that borders Iraq and could be a target for Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein if the United States decides to attack Iraq. NATO Secretary-General George Robertson is due to meet with President Bush later today in Washington. Meanwhile, the United States is continuing efforts to reach an agreement with Turkey to allow the deployment of U.S. forces on Turkish soil for a potential attack against Iraq. The U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, Robert Pearson, told reporters after delivering a message to the Turkish foreign ministry that time is now critical in reaching a deal. Turkey's parliament has delayed a decision on the issue, and the government is reported to be pressing for an increase in a proposed U.S. economic aid package to help Turkey cope with the cost of a potential war with Iraq. Posted by: Steve 2003-02-19 |
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