Turkish Foreign Ministry Denies Reports On Use Of Trabzon Airport By Americans

ANKARA - The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied reports that American aircraft are using the Trabzon airport for military purposes.
Namik Tan, spokesperson of the ministry, told a press conference on Friday, ''yes, the British planes have been using the Trabzon airport. But the American planes have not used this airport.''
Responding to an article published by a newspaper this week on the use of the Trabzon airport in the north of Turkey by American and British planes, Tan said, ''after the September 11th attacks, Turkish air space and airports have been made available to countries participating initially in the Continuos Freedom Operation and later in International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.''
''After the ISAF command has been undertaken by the NATO, flights have taken place within the frame of NATO,'' reminded Tan.
According to Tan, ''humanitarian aid flights and flights to facilitate security and stability in Iraq have taken place on basis of a decision of the Turkish Council of Ministers dated June 24th, 2003 and UN Security Council resolution 1483,'' remarked Tan.
''Which and when an airport may be used is determined by the Turkish General Staff. The period has been extended for another year, beginning on June 22nd, 2004,'' told Tan.
(MS) 22.10.2004