ANKARA - Land Forces Commander Gen. Aytac Yalman said on Wednesday that Turkey could not stay away from incidents in north of Iraq.
Aytac attended a reception held on the occasion of opening of New Legislative Year.
Yalman said Turkey was closely interested in incidents in north of Iraq, stating that, ''of course, the most appropriate solution would be found in line with our interests. We are obliged to protect our interests there, and we should consider the issue from a broad perspective. We should consider the issue in the long term.''
Replying a question about Cyprus, Gen. Yalman said Cyprus was not among the political criteria that were on relations with the European Union (EU).
Gen. Yalman said, ''Cyprus issue is vital for us, and will always continue to be vital. This issue is important for security of our citizens there as well as for security of Turkey. The issue should be considered from this point of view.''
When asked whether or not any delay would be in question in cooperation with the United States on Iraq because of a decision that could be taken by Higher Election Board (YSK), Gen. Yalman said, ''politicians will decide for this. The decision is totally political.''
When a journalist asked if there was an expression regarding this in the 8.5 billion U.S. dollars loan taken from the United States, Gen. Yalman said, ''this is an issue that creates uneasiness, I mean connecting the loan with this incident. I did not read the text. As far as I read from newspapers, they were connected with each other. I wish it not to happen.''
When a journalist said, ''opposition in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) met with Greek Foreign Minister. This was criticized much in Turkey. Leaving TRNC President alone before the elections is in question,'' Gen. Yalman said, ''we always support Denktas, and we will continue to do so. I underline that national policy of TRNC is our national cause. We will support it without connecting it to any condition.''
Deputy Chief of General Staff Ilker Basbug also replied questions of reporters in the reception.
Gen. Basbug said most of the questions, asked to U.S. officials on dispatch of soldiers to Iraq, were replied, yet noted that there were several points that were not replied.
Question: Are those questions important?
Basbug: Of course important. For example there is the region issue.
Question: They had talked about a region earlier.
Basbug: There is more than one alternative, talks continue.
Question: Are you of the same opinion on dispatch of soldiers to Iraq?
Basbug: From the very beginning, we said the same things on the issue. We are of the same opinion.
Question: What kind of issues are under discussion in talks with U.S. official in fight against PKK?
Basbug: Turkey's fight against terrorist PKK-KADEK organization and dispatch of soldiers to Iraq should not be confused. Those are separate issues. Foreign Ministry carries out talks on PKK-KADEK.''
(AY-AÖ) 02.10.2003