ANKARA - Turkey will continue to command International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan as its handing over the command on Dec. 20 won't be possible due to the recent developments.
Diplomatic sources said that the new process; which started after U.N. Security Council extended the mandate of ISAF from six months to one year and after Germany announced that it would get the command together with the Netherlands, has necessitated Turkey to continue commanding ISAF for another two months.
Sources said that the cabinet decision regarding Germany's getting the command will be transferred to the German parliament and the latter is expected to approve it in mid-December. Therefore, the transfer of German troops to Afghanistan can only start in January.
Sources pointed out that the term of Turkey's command seems to last until February, adding that nevertheless Turkey will continue its contacts with Germany to take over the command earlier than that date. Sources said that the U.S. supports Turkey in that issue, adding that the U.S. asked Germany to get the command of ISAF as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, a high ranking official denied the news telling that Turkey sent a letter to the U.S. telling that it could only accept the two-month extension in return of an additional aid of 20 million dollars.
The official said that no such letter was sent, adding that if the command period is extended, Turkey can ask for assistance, but 20 million dollars is very big amount.