ISTANBUL - NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Joseph W. Ralston said late on Wednesday that Turkey in a sense made sacrifice to solve problem in European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI), stressing that ''but now that the ball is at the European side. The European Union (EU) should make sacrifices and exert efforts in the same way.''
Gen. Ralston addressed a conference entitled, ''Probable Effects of Rapprochement of NATO-Russian Federation and U.S-Russian federation on Turkey and the Region'' held by National Strategy Magazine.
Pointing out that Turkey had been the most powerful force of the NATO alliance in the Cold War period, and that it successfully protected one third of the NATO land borders against Warsaw Pact, Gen. Ralston said contribution of Turkey to peace and stability in Europe-Atlantic Region was not only limited in military means, but that beyond this it was an element of stability and peace.
Briefing about relations between NATO and Russia, Ralston said he invited Russia to attend NATO programs. Gen. Ralston said from now on they progress looking for new cooperation opportunities to protect themselves from joint dangers directed against joint interests. He said Turkey had an important role in this respect, noting that Turkey has always contributed to peace and stability.
When asked what would be the position of NATO in case of a possible U.S. operation against Iraq, Gen. Ralston said there were 93 countries in Europe, and that NATO was responsible for them. He said Iraq was not one of those 93 countries, noting this was pleasing. Gen. Ralston said he would not be able to say anything about Iraq.
Responding to a question about developments in Northern Iraq, Gen. Ralston said the United States respected Iraq's territorial intregrity and that they knew the sensitivity of the issue. He said this was a sensitive issue also for Turkey, adding that United States was intended to protect territorial integrity of Iraq always.
Speaking about relations between NATO and the EU, Ralston said this caused disappointment in him, and that he was not pleased over current position.
Gen. Ralston said he was an optimistic person, noting that he hoped the relations would further improve.
When asked if NATO forces would be used against Iraq, Gen. Ralston said, ''If representatives of 19 NATO permanent countries convene in Brussels and give an assignment to NATO, we will perform our duty as the military flank. North Atlantic Council will make this decision. No such decision has been taken in the Council. To this end, no military operation is in question against Iraq. I don't find discussion of the issue as rightful.''
Responding to a question about ESDI, Gen. Ralston said there were problems between the EU and the NATO regarding participation, and that important efforts were exerted in political area to overcome this.
Gen. Ralston said Turkey in a sense made sacrifices to overcome this. ''However, the ball is in the European side from now on. EU should make sacrifices and exert efforts in the same way. The problems can be solved if both sides have good will. Cooperation between EU and NATO can be strengthened in the best way.''