BRUSSELS - Turkey's Permanent Representative to NATO Ahmet Uzumcu said on Friday that the document which permits EU to use NATO capabilities was approved at the NATO Council.
According to the agreement which will go into force after an exchange of letters between NATO and EU on Monday, EU can use the planning capacities of NATO in possible peace keeping operations after setting up a force.
Greek Cypriot side and Malta which don't have any agreement with NATO within the scope of Partnership For Peace, are left outside.
FM UNDERSECRETARY ZIYAL: ESDP PROBLEM SORTED OUT WITHIN SCOPE OF EU-NATO AGREEMENT
COPENHAGEN - Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal said on Friday that the problem of European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) has been sorted out within the scope of the agreement reached between EU and NATO.
Speaking to reporters, Ziyal said that ''you know the attitude of Turkey about the ESDP issue. We wanted to join the ESDP. And this accession takes place within the scope of the framework determined by our approval. Likewise we had concerns and doubts. These have been totally sorted out. According to the decision taken by NATO Council, defense cooperation started between NATO and EU. The most important dimension of this development is Turkey's taking part in EU's activities within the scope of defense foreign policy, as a NATO member. Turkey has the role of reflecting security and stability. This role is also being developed within the scope of Europe now. Turkey's bringing its contributions to Europe's security and defense policy will be possible.''
Upon a question, Ziyal said that Malta and Greek Cypriot side won't join the European Army as the decision was taken in the way Turkey wanted.