HIGH LEVEL MEETINGS IN ANKARA
ANKARA - U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Marc Grossman has held high-level meetings in Ankara as a part of efforts for reconstruction of U.S. military bases abroad.
Grossman first explained the new arrangements of the United States about its worldwide military presence at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
Later, Grossman started its tour to the allied countries by visiting Turkey.
Ankara explained its satisfaction over being the first step of Grossman's tour to the allied countries.
Diplomatic sources told the A.A correspondent on Tuesday that it was the sign of Turkey's being in a ''central position'' in fight against terrorism, spread of democracy and settlement of security and stability.
Under the new arrangements, Incirlik Air Base in southern province of Adana will continue preserving its importance. Sources indicated importance of convenience of these arrangements with Turkish law system and its national benefits.
Sources said that if the United States took a decision to put into practice these arrangements, it would take a few years, adding that the United States was planning to form less but more active units. They noted that new arrangements would not affect the United States' commitments to Turkey in security.
Sources said that Ankara was positive about reconstruction of U.S. military forces. They added that any important changes about Turkey were not envisaged.
The Cyprus question was also brought onto agenda during the meetings. Grossman conveyed the views of the United States that the sides should reach a solution till May 2004.
During his visit to Ankara, Grossman met with Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal and General Staff Deputy Chief General Ilker Basbug.
TURKEY AND THE UNITED STATES WOULD WIN FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM TOGETHER
Grossman said that both Turkey and the United States suffered from terrorist attacks, adding that both countries would win this war together.
Grossman visited Neve Shalom Synagogue which was the target of a terrorist attack on November 15 and then he met with Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler.
Grossman recalled the support of U.S. President, U.S. Secretary of State, U.S. Ambassador and U.S. Consul General after the attacks in Istanbul.
Grossman said that the attacks were not only against people of Istanbul, but against whole humanity.
Recalling that he had met with Istanbul Greater City Mayor Ali Mufit Gurtuna in Ankara and he had visited Neve Shalom Synagogue, Grossman said that he would also visit British Consulate General, adding that he expressed his support to people in all those places.
Grossman said that both Turkey and the United States suffered from terrorism, adding that he visited Turkey to show U.S. support and solidarity in fight against terrorism. He said Turkey and the United States would win this fight together.
Guler said that they would discuss the recent attacks with Grossman.
Noting that Turkey knew the importance which the United States attributed in cooperation against terrorism, Guler said that especially Turkey should be supported in its fight against terrorism, adding that the United States had always showed this support.
Guler said that terrorism was related with the whole world, not only with Turkey and everybody should know that terrorism was directed towards whole ideals of humanity.
(UK-GC-AÖ) 09.12.2003