London Greek News, UK
Oct 12 2007
Turkish diplomacy in overdrive
NEWS DESK
The Turkish political world is in overdrive in attempts to exert
punitive measures on the US for its recent passing of a resolution in
Congress recognising the Armenian genocide. The Turkish Ambassador to
the US Nabi Sensoy has been recalled from Washington, the Turkish
foreign ministry said "we are not withdrawing our ambassador. We have
asked him to come to Turkey for some consultations".
The US ambassador to Turkey was summoned to the Turkish Foreign
Ministry in Ankara, where an official complaint was made and
expressions of "unease" at the recent vote in Congress.
Turkey has threatened to cut the vital supply links to Iraq, with
over 70 per cent of US air cargo for Iraq going through Turkey.
The "preferred nation" status which the Americans reward allies with
new technology and preferential status on commercial contracts is
also at risk. The Turks currently enjoy the benefits of this status
but will come under threat if supply chains to Iraq are disrupted and
airspace restricted for military sorties blocked.
Prime Minister Erdogan has also made it clear via a statement in the
Associated Press that he will not seek American approval to invade
northern Iraq saying "Did they seek permission from anyone when they
came from a distance of 10,000 kilometers and hit Iraq?"
Turkish authorities have refused to comment on whether Turkey might
shut down Incirlik air base in southern Turkey, a major cargo hub for
U.S. and allied military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Turkeys
Mediterranean port of Iskenderun is also used to ferry goods to
American troops.
The Turkish parliament was expected to approve a government request
to authorize an Iraq campaign as early as next week, after a holiday
ending the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
"We are making necessary preparations to be ready in case we decide
on a cross-border operation since we dont have patience to lose more
time," Erdogan said, adding that Turkey has lost 30 people in rebel
attacks over the past two weeks, Associate Press.
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress