Initiative And Timing

MILLIYET- Columnist Fikret Bila writes on Turkey’s stance on the Iraq issue. A summary of his column is as follows:
For the time being, there is a real dearth of information about either when or how the United States is planning to launch a military strike on Iraq. All we know is that the Bush administration is determined to oust Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and busily gearing up for a military operation.
Meanwhile, Ankara wants to avoid being dragged into war and facing the catastrophic results such a development might bring. Turkey’s official views on the Iraq issue can be summarized as follows:
‘In light of its Gulf War experiences, Turkey should take the initiative on the Iraq issue so as to head off developments which might threaten its national interests. While the US considers the Baghdad administration its main problem, Turkey’s principal concern is to protect Iraq’s territorial integrity and forestall Kurdish groups’ attempts to establish an independent Kurdish state in the region. In case of a US-led operation against Saddam Hussein, it will be in our best interests to cooperate with the Bush administration. However, the US’ intentions and methods would be of great importance at such a juncture. If the US doesn’t plan to act in a way contrary to Turkey’s interests, it will be very easy to form such a strategic alliance between our two countries. Under such circumstances, the only problem will be the timing of the operation.’
Ankara often conveys the message that it would take any measures necessary to stop the establishment of an independent Kurdish state in the region, the occupation of Kirkuk by Kurdish groups and a flood of refugees towards Turkey’s borders.
The meetings to be held between Turkish and US officials in the days to come will carry great importance. Turkey should neither lose the initiative nor act as a mere bystander to the events unfolding in Iraq.

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION