Ankara Anti-military Platform Members Protests Initiatives To Dispatch Soldiers To Iraq

ANKARA - Members of nearly 30 political parties and non-governmental organizations forming Ankara Anti-Military Platform, held a demonstration in Ankara's Kizilay Square on Saturday to protest initiatives to dispatch Turkish soldiers to Iraq.
Members of the Platform gathered in front of Human Rights Monument in Yuksel Avenue, and then marched to Freedom Monument in Sakarya Avenue.
They chanted slogans against the United States.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Human Rights Association (IHD) Ankara Branch Chairman Ender Buyukculha said that they would expend all kinds of efforts to prevent dispatch of Turkish soldiers to Iraq.
''A total of 22 countries sent 14 thousand soldiers to Iraq. However, Turkey was asked to send 12 thousand soldiers. It is thought-provoking. Our young people do not intend to be involved in occupation of Iraq,'' he said.
(UK-MS) 16.08.2003