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| Turkish News |
| 2003-03-11 |
| Stories by Turkish Press Scan/Press Review on Tue. PROTOCOL THAT OPENS DOORS We are announcing the memorandum within the framework of the renovation motion allowing shipping which irritated Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc since he did not know about it. Details of the first ''memorandum of understanding'' within the scope of ''renovation motion' allowing U.S. military activities in Turkey have become clear. The memorandum foresees establishment of nine separate U.S. land bases in Gaziantep, Mardin, Dicle (Diyarbakir), Oyali (Sirnak), Nusaybin (Mardin), Oguzeli (Gaziantep), Sanliurfa (military base), Birecik and Viransehir. Under the protocol, Turkey can ask U.S. soldiers to leave the country without showing any reason. The U.S. Customs Undersecretariat has to send equipment under the circular #91-99 dated May 2. Pre-permit declarations will be sent to the Office of General Staff seven days beforehand. The U.S. personnel will behave in line with the administrative regulations in Turkish facilities and respect to Turkish laws. The United States will pay all the costs stemming from their activities. The U.S. soldiers will carry identity cards outside the bases. The U.S. soldiers will wear their uniforms only when they are on mission. We have to tell the General Staff (not the government) what we are planning to bring into Turkey in advance. Fox News was showing video of a line of self-propelled 155mm, er, "construction equipment" moving out of the port. BUSH PHONES BUT CAN'T GET PROMISE U.S. President George W. Bush, who spoke to Justice and Development Party (AK Party) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan by phone and congratulated him on being elected as deputy, was not satisfied with the issue of motion. Bush asked Erdogan when the second motion would be submitted to parliament. When he was expecting a positive response, Erdogan listed Turkey's reservations. Erdogan wanted participation of Turkmens in the leadership council and increase of economic package. ACTIVITY CONTINUES IN BASES AND PORTS Activity continues in bases and Iskenderun port which will play an important role for northern front in a possible U.S. military operation against Iraq. Major Ruhi Caliskan who confiscated weapons of U.S. soldiers who tried to leave the port without permission was assigned to another department in the port. Slap on the wrist because it made the news. A total of 46 vehicles went to Mardin, Gaziantep and Silopi. There is also activity in Incirlik Base. A total of 15 buses carrying U.S. soldiers went from Incirlik Base to Gaziantep. Dispatch of military equipment and vehicles from Iskenderun port continued on Tuesday within the framework of renovation in bases and ports. Sources told A.A correspondent that trucks loaded with military vehicles and equipment left the port in the morning. Meanwhile, routine activities continued in Incirlik base in Yuregir town of southern Adana province. Hangar doors are open while a tanker plane and C-17 cargo plane landed at the base. Renovation also continues in the base. It looks from the outside like the Turks are letting us land equipment, but not many troops while we wait for approval. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #4 Don’t you think if the new PM cant get the bill through, doesn’t that speak volumes about his majority in the house. Apart from the economic problems that he has to face if the US aid does not reach Turkey. The economic cost to that country troubles officials most. Turkey is only just beginning to shake off the effects of a two-year recession in which the value of the lira fell by half and thousands of Turks lost their jobs, 301,000 in the latest quarter alone. One of the country's rare hard-currency earners, the tourist industry, has already been hit by the looming conflict, with bookings for this year cancelled by the thousands. All in all, the Union of Turkish Chambers of Commerce reckons the war will cost the country $16 billion. The relations with Europe are again in jeopardy after the Cypriot issue proved to be snafu (An acronym coincidentally used by soldiers in World War II: Situation Normal All F****d Up). I am beginning to believe that the American victory will come without Turkey's help. |
| Posted by: ISHMAIL 2003-03-11 19:53:15 |
| #3 Troops are already there, just not mated with their weapons. |
| Posted by: Brian 2003-03-11 10:53:52 |
| #2 I would assume "yes, very". |
| Posted by: Crescend 2003-03-11 09:56:05 |
| #1 Bu tif we get the heavy equipment in place, it would be fairly easy to fly the troops in at a moments notice? |
| Posted by: john 2003-03-11 08:35:21 |