Turkey To Hand Over I.S.A.F. Command On February 8

ANKARA - Turkey will hand over the command of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan on February 8.
An official document reached on Friday to Ankara which stated that Germany and Netherlands that would undertake third term command of ISAF, were ready to take over the mandate on February 8.
Noting that agreement was reached on the date of handing over the command, diplomatic sources said that the agreement that the hand over would be made in February 8 was also conveyed to United Nations Secretary General.
The sources added that a calendar for handing over the command was being made, and meetings were continuing in Kabul, Ankara and concerning capital cities.
The transfer of military units from Germany and Netherlands to Kabul had started, and as soon as it was completed, Turkish military units would start to return, the sources said.
Contacts with the military authorities of Germany and Netherlands concerning preparations were still continuing in Ankara and constant communication officers would stay in Germany, the sources added.
Turkey had earlier planned to hand over ISAF command to Germany and Netherlands on January 20, but as the two country could not complete preparations, the hand over was postponed for two months.