ANKARA (AA) - The United States Central Command General John Abizaid met Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul on Tuesday in Ankara. ''We are pleased about using the Incirlik air-base for logistics purposes within the framework of the United Nations and hope to continue using the base in the future,'' said Abizaid.
According to diplomatic sources, Abizaid has not made any new request from Gul on the Incirlik base. ''Turkey has assured Abizaid that the Incirlik base would be available for use within the framework of the existing UN decisions in the future,'' told a diplomat.
The topic of Iraq dominated the meeting between Abizaid and Gul. Turkish authorities expressed a desire to see political stability in Iraq during the meeting with Abizaid. ''The participation of all the groups in Iraq in the upcoming election is crucial. The Sunni citizens of Iraq should not feel as left out of the election process,'' remarked a Turkish diplomat.
Gul has informed Abizaid about Turkey's concerns in regard to Kurdish attempts to change the demographics in Kirkuk. Gul added that Turkey wishes for the United States to keep its promises vis-a-vis the terrorist organization PKK/KONGRA-GEL.
Abizaid expressed his government's appreciation for the Turkish contribution to the ISAF force in Afghanistan. ''The transfer of ISAF command to Turkey will please us,'' said Abizaid.
(ES-A֩
2005-01-11