Agreement On Extradition Of Criminals Still Valid Between Turkey And Iraq

ANKARA (AA) - ''Agreement on extradition of criminals and judicial assistance signed between Turkey and Iraq is still valid '', Namik Tan, spokesman of Turkish Foreign Ministry, said on Wednesday.
     Tan told the weekly press conference that the Iraqi authorities undertook their responsibilities within the framework of this agreement. The agreement on extradition of criminals was signed between Turkey and Iraq in 1989 and entered into force in 1995.
     Drawing attention that the final statement released after the trilateral meeting held among Turkey, Iraq and the United States yesterday (Tuesday) to eradicate the terrorist organization PKK/Kongra-Gel in the north of Iraq, was a text on which all three countries reached consensus, Tan said that the text showed a common stance.
    
     -INCIRLIK BASE-
     When he was recalled about the statement of gen. John Abizaid, the Commander of the U.S. Central Command, made yesterday (Tuesday) regarding a request to use Incirlik base, Tan said that the base in Incirlik town of southern city of Adana was totally a Turkish facility, and belonged to Turkish Armed Forces. Tan went on saying, ''U.S. elements are deployed in the base within the framework of the agreement on status of forces of countries member to North Atlantic Treaty Organization, signed by Turkey in 1954, and the agreement on defense and economic cooperation signed between Turkey and the United States in 1980. And, they continue their activities in line with these agreements.''
     ''Friend and ally countries are allowed to use our bases, ports and facilities, within a framework determined by the General Staff acting under the decree released by the Council of Ministers on June 23rd, 2003 and extended for one year within the framework of the resolutions of the UN Security Council, calling the international community to help restore peace and security in Iraq. It is natural that demands of the United States regarding to make use of the facilities in Incirlik are considered within the framework of this legal ground,'' Tan added.
     Tan replied in negative to the question if the United States had a demand regarding this legal ground.
     (BRC-ULG)
2005-01-12