WASHINGTON BACKS TURKISH TROOP PRESENCE IN LEBANON
The New Anatolian, Turkey
Aug. 17, 2006
The U.S. on Tuesday backed the possible deployment of Turkish troops
in the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon but also stressed
that it’s a decision Ankara has to make based on its national interests
and own foreign policy guidelines.
In a move to encourage Turkey in this issue, U.S. Assistant Secretary
of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch also expressed
Washington’s great confidence in the Turkish military, citing his
country’s experience in working with Turkey in such peacekeeping
operations.
Welch made the remarks at a press conference when asked about the
U.S.’ position on Turkey’s potential contribution to the force and
the reasons for Ankara’s cautious stance on deploying Turkish troops
in the region.
"We consider that the first most important step to be taken now for
implementation of the UN resolution is that the parties observe a
cessation of hostilities. Second, the United Nations rapidly should
form the new elements to be added to the existing UN Interim Force in
Lebanon [UNIFIL] so that those are prepared as quickly as possible
to deploy into Lebanon to help UNIFIL do its job pursuant to this
new resolution," Welch said while listing other reasons for Turkey
to send the troops.
"The present resolution authorizes the composition of a new and
enhanced UNIFIL. A second resolution is out there as a possibility
should it be necessary to have an additional mandate for United
Nations activity. But presently there’s sufficient legal authority
under international law to do what is necessary to make the new force,"
he added.
Armenian lobby urges Bush to block Turkish troop deployment
The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) yesterday urged
U.S. President George W.Bush to block Turkey deploying troops in
Lebanon in a letter sent to the president.
The letter, which is signed by the head of ANCA (an umbrella Armenian
lobby which gathers various radical Armenian groups) Ken Hachikian,
claimed that the deployment of Turkish troops in the region would be
contrary to the U.S.’ national interests and would undermine efforts
to ensure permanent peace in the region.
Reiterating the Armenian genocide claims, ANCA also claimed in its
letter that the Ottoman Empire ruled the Middle East for centuries
through violence. "Turkey’s presence in Lebanon will only make the
situation in the region worse," the letter also asserted.
There’s a sizable Armenian minority living in Lebanon.
In related news, the Greek lobby the American Hellenic Institute
has also reportedly sent letter to the White House against a Turkish
contribution to the peacekeeping force.