Turkey Has Not Yet Taken Decision Whether Or Not To Train Iraqi Security Forces

ISTANBUL - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday that Turkey has not yet taken any decision whether or not to train Iraqi security forces.
Speaking to Turkish Radio and Television Corp (TRT) Gul said that Turkey had made no commitment regarding Iraq during the NATO Istanbul summit.
Asked whether or not Turkey would train Iraqi security forces, Gul said, ''Those decisions would be peculiar to each country. However, as to Iraq, the important thing is the reiteration of that country's territorial and political integrity by NATO members and the determination expressed on the fight against terrorism stemming from Iraq.''
The minister added that the joint NATO statement on Iraq was a success for Turkey, saying that allied countries were considering sending troops to Iraq under NATO umbrella but Turkey continuously expressed its reservations on this matter.
Gul said the crack in Euro-Atlantic relations was overcome at the summit, adding that further support would be expended to Afghanistan.
(AY-ULG) 29.06.2004