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Turkey Delays Opening Airspace Again
Turkish airspace remains closed Friday to U.S. and British warplanes, as Turkish and U.S. officials work to resolve Ankara's demand that its troops be allowed to enter northern Iraq. Negotiations have entered a second day in Ankara, after the two sides held talks through the night in the Turkish capital without reaching an agreement. Turkey says it needs a military presence in Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq to prevent a possible influx of refugees into southeastern Turkey. But the United States is firmly opposed, fearing conflict between Turkish troops and Iraqi Kurd forces and a disruption to the U.S. campaign against Saddam Hussein. They are still demanding to be allowed to go in and put a lid on the Kurds. We're saying no. Ankara is also asking the United States to provide information on the type of planes, their missions and destination ahead of overflights. U.S. officials are reported to consider the degree of detail excessive. There is no need-to-know for them to get this info. The Turkish parliament voted Thursday to allow U.S. overflights, but turned down a U.S. military request to use Turkish bases for refueling and as a launching point for air strikes against Iraq. Ziyal: U.S. Ambassador Does Not Bring Message Which Will End The Problem U.S. Ambassador in Ankara Robert Pearson did not bring any message which will end the problem between Turkey and the United States pertaining to opening of air corridor and entrance of Turkish soldiers in Northern Iraq. Diplomatic sources said Pearson did not bring a message which would end the problem during his 10-minute meeting with Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal. Ankara was waiting for a response from Washington regarded with opening of air corridor and entrance of Turkish soldiers in Northern Iraq. We are holding fast on not letting the Turks in, good. Posted by: Steve 2003-03-21 |
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