Turkey may launch cross-border operation without consulting Iraq – premier

Milliyet website, Istanbul
20 Jul 05

Excerpt from report by Turkish newspaper Milliyet website on 20 July;
sub-headings inserted editorially:

Prime Minister Erdogan has given a strong reply to US Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs Richard Myers, who said that Baghdad would have plenty
to say if Turkey crossed into northern Iraq. Pointing out that Turkey
was a country targeted by terrorism Erdogan said that apart from some
intelligence work the United States had not taken even the tiniest
step regarding the presence of the PKK [KurdistanWorkers’ Party]
in northern Iraq. Erdogan stated that Turkey may mount a military
operation aimed at the region, if necessary without consulting Baghdad.

Prime Minister Erdogan and I spoke privately aboard the official jet
that was taking him from the Russian town of Sochi to Ulan Bator, the
capital of Mongolia for an official visit. He replied to my questions
on various issues. Replying to my questions about Gen Myers’ remarks
Erdogan said, “I am speaking here are the prime minister of a country
targeted by terrorism”.

Recalling that 40,000 people in Turkey had lost their lives to date
because of terrorist attacks Erdogan said: “Therefore, we are hurting
here. This is why this is a delicate matter for us.” Erdogan voiced
is views on how Turkey came out in support of the United States after
9/11 but has not seen the same support given by Washington in return:

“When 9/11 terrorism hit America the whole world rose to its feet,
and Turkey, a country in pain, immediately said, “We will do whatever
we must in the joint fight against terrorism. When steps were being
taken in Afghanistan Turkey was the first to command ISAF. Why?
Because it said, “This is a job for deeds not words” and it sent in
1,400-1,500 soldiers.

Turkey may act without consultation

“While Turkey has been sincere in its actions the Americans have
not taken even the tiniest of steps regarding the PKK terrorist
organization infiltrating into Turkey, apart from a little intelligence
work.”

Noting that Turkey would do what it had to if the limit of tolerance
was exceeded Erdogan continued:

“Countries and states have been given certain powers in this matter.
This is a point of international law. This is the moment when Turkey
uses its legitimate rights [of self defence]. And Turkey will conduct
this operation within whatever rules exist, whatever the need. Make
no mistake; it will do this in consultation with the relevant and
responsible people in Iraq. However, there are times when it may do
this without consultation. Why? Because it has been internationally
empowered to do so”.

Turkey expects “solidarity” from Iraq

Prime Minister Erdogan stated that he had spoken with Iraq’s Prime
Minister and acting Defence Minister Ibrahim al-Ushayqir al-Ja’fari
about the PKK presence in northern Iraq, and noted that he had
made it known Turkey expected help in this matter from the Iraqi
administration. Erdogan elaborated:

“Speaking as the prime minister of a fraternal country I said to him:
‘Look, we are being hurt a lot over here. We expect solidarity from
you. Let us do this by acting in solidarity. What hurts us today may
hurt you tomorrow. What is going on in Iraq today pains all of us
here. Everybody is going, children, men, women, everybody. Therefore,
we need to act jointly.’ That is what I told him.”

[Passage omitted]