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| Axis of Evil |
| Today’s Turkish Press News |
| 2003-01-02 |
| More tidbits from Turkish news relating to Iraq Turkey which attributes great importance to territorial integrity of Iraq, is opposed to foundation of an independent Kurdish state in Northern Iraq. Ankara thinks that Swiss model could be put into practice in Iraq following a possible military operation against Iraq. In that case, Kurds, Turkmen people and other ethnic groups will have cantons under a sound central administration in Baghdad. State Minister Kursad Tuzmen will go to Iraq on January 10 together with a delegation of 150 businessmen. During his visit to Iraq, Tuzmen will convey Prime Minister Abdullah Gul's message to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. In his message, Prime Minister Gul will ask Iraqi administration to abide by resolutions of the United Nations and to cooperate with weapon inspectors. Military activities are increasing in Southeast region while a possible operation against Iraq is closing. Food and military equipment are continuing to be dispatched to the units which took position in Northern Iraq border. Military traffic speeded up in Silopi township of Southeastern Sirnak province which is the easiest connection point with Northern Iraq. Meanwhile, Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government which is distressed by the military requests of the United States is carrying on its diplomatic efforts to find peaceful solutions for Iraq problem. Bargaining has been continuing between Turkey and the United States about a possible military operation against Iraq. U.S. Under Secretary of Treasury John Taylor and U.S. State Department Under Secretary Marc Grossman, U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard Myers is expected to come to Turkey in coming days. The issue of Iraq is expected to high on agenda during General Myers' visit to Turkey. The fifth search and rescue exercise in which Turkey, the United States and Israel participated has started. The exercise which is fulfilled prior to the United States' possible operation against Iraq is considered as the sign of the military and political cooperation between the three countries. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #1 Clever move on the part of the Turks to cite the "Swiss model". only someone really sophisticated in democratic models will realize that there's not much difference between a canton and a U.S. state, and that another name for the Swiss model is "federalism". however, citing the political model of the Americans would unnecessarily raise hackles, while citing the Swiss model gives rise to sweet images of swiss bank accounts. |
| Posted by: Ptah 2003-01-02 20:50:47 |