MGK VOICES SUPPORT FOR PROTOCOLS, COUNTERTERRORISM EFFORTS
Today’s Zaman
Oct 22 2009
Turkey
The National Security Council (MGK) has expressed strong support
for the two protocols signed recently with Armenia to thaw Turkey’s
long-standing icy relationship with the country and plans to respond
to acts of terror directed at Turkey by terrorists hiding in northern
Iraq.
The council convened on Tuesday at the Cankaya presidential palace
for a meeting to discuss the latest developments in Turkey, including
the government’s recent efforts to end terror in the country and the
process of the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement, which has recently
gained momentum with an agreement signed between the two countries.
The Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers signed two protocols on
Oct. 10 in Zurich, which call for the opening of the border, closed
since 1993, and the restoration of diplomatic relations. Turkey
closed the border and severed its diplomatic ties with Armenia in
a show of solidarity with Azerbaijan, who fought a war with Armenia
over Nagorno-Karabakh. About one fifth of Azerbaijani territory has
been under Armenian occupation since then.
The MGK issued a five-article statement after a seven-and-a-half-hour
meeting. The statement included the council’s positive opinions
about improving relations between Turkey and Armenia, views about
Turkey’s growing role for peace and stability in the region and its
determination to fight any terrorist threat posed by northern Iraq.
"Recent efforts to settle disagreements in the South Caucasus,
including Nagorno-Karabakh, and perspectives for the future of the
region have been evaluated in light of the two protocols signed
with Armenia. It has been confirmed that the ongoing process will
contribute to the solution of problems between Azerbaijan and Armenia,"
read the statement. According to the statement, Turkey will continue
its efforts for the restoration of an atmosphere of peace, stability,
cooperation and confidence in the region.
On Turkey’s counterterrorism efforts, the council spoke sharply and
recalled a government motion passed in early October to extend by
another year a mandate to launch cross-border military operations
against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in northern Iraq.
"Any terrorist threat directed at Turkey from northern Iraq will not go
without a response," read the MGK statement. Turkish fighter jets have
staged a series of strikes on PKK targets in neighboring northern Iraq
since October 2007, and in February 2008 the military sent significant
land forces across the border to fight the group, which is designated
a terrorist organization by a large majority of the international
community. The extension of the motion came at a time when Turkey
has been discussing a recent move by the government to settle the
country’s long-standing Kurdish question with a democratic initiative.
The MGK statement also recalled that Turkey is set to assume leadership
of the Regional Command Capital once again in November, underlining
that Turkish troops would not carry out any activities related to the
fight against terror, drug smuggling and the clearing of land mines.
The number of non-combat Turkish troops there will be increased to
1,600 when it takes up leadership on Nov. 1. Turkey has constantly
voiced its determination not to send any combat troops to Afghanistan.