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| Europe |
| Goss warned Turkey of Iranian threat |
| 2005-12-19 |
| There are important developments and movements in the region, so Turkeyâs exchange of information with the CIA comes from this and is normal, said government spokesman Cemil Cicek on Monday about CIA Director Porter Gossâ recent visit to Turkey, adding that Turkey has expectations from US about the terrorist PKK. Speaking after a Cabinet meeting, Cicek said that Gossâ visit had not been discussed by the government ministers. Cicek indicated that intelligence organizations from other countries meet from time to time, adding, âThis wasnât the first time a CIA director has visited Turkey.â Cicek stated, âAt many meetings that I took part in, especially on the fight against terrorism, the issue that many countries emphasize is that sharing intelligence on terrorist groups is the first step. This issue has priority. Therefore, Turkey shares information on intelligence with the US as well as other countries. This is natural.â During his recent visit to Ankara, CIA Director Porter Goss reportedly brought three dossiers on Iran to Ankara. Goss is said to have asked for Turkeyâs support for Washingtonâs policy against Iranâs nuclear activities, charging that Tehran had supported terrorism and taken part in activities against Turkey. Goss also asked Ankara to be ready for a possible US air operation against Iran and Syria. Goss, who came to Ankara just after FBI Director Robert Muellerâs visit, brought up Iranâs alleged attempts to develop nuclear weapons. It was said that Goss first told Ankara that Iran has nuclear weapons and this situation was creating a huge threat for both Turkey and other states in the region. Diplomatic sources say that Washington wants Turkey to coordinate with its Iran policies. The second dossier is about Iranâs stance on terrorism. The CIA argued that Iran was supporting terrorism, the PKK and al-Qaeda. The third had to do with Iranâs alleged stance against Ankara. Goss said that Tehran sees Turkey as an enemy and would try to âexport its regime.â |
| Posted by:Dan Darling |