BERLIN - ''Cooperation between Turkish and German armed forces covers a broad area and they have proved themselves until today,'' said German Defense Minister Peter Struck.
Speaking to the A.A on Monday, Struck said, ''relations between our two countries and armed forces are good and friendly. Cooperation between Turkish and German armed forces covers a broad area and they have proved themselves until today. I believe the cooperation between our two countries will further focus on all areas especially on new and joint challenges like international terrorism.''
When asked, ''after European Commission recommended EU to start entry talks with Turkey, sale of German tanks to Turkey was brought onto agenda. What are the reasons?'' Struck said, ''Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) already has German made Leopard-I type war tanks. TSK, in the past, conveyed that it was interested in purchase of Leopard-II tanks under the auspices of federal army. Federal government told the Turkish government that negotiations can be held on this issue when European Commission presents a positive report about it. It happened within time. If Turkey applies officially, federal government will take a decision by applying regular procedures.''
Upon a question whether Germany can consider any cooperation with Turkey in Iraq, Struck said, ''federal government objects to German soldiers' undertaking a mission in Iraq. This is also valid for training mission which is being prepared by NATO in Iraq.''
When asked the number of soldiers of Turkish origin in German Armed Forces and the number of female soldiers of Turkish origin, Struck said, ''every woman or man who has German citizenship can be soldier in federal army. Ethnical origin does not have any role in federal army. This is not a criterion for personnel decisions. Thus, I cannot give a certain number.''
Struck will pay a two-day visit to Ankara beginning on November 17th.
(GC-MS)