Schmidt: Patriot Missiles On Way

DIYARBAKIR - German Ambassador to Turkey Rudolf Schmidt said that Patriot missiles were on the way in accordance with decision.
Schmidt visited Diyarbakir Governor Nusret Miroglu.
Upon questions on his visit to Diyarbakir, Schmidt said that he came to Diyarbakir for the second time and added that he had laid foundation of Waste Water Project in his first visit to the city.
Schmidt said that he came this time to see projects.
Replying to a question on the German government's attitude on military aids in case of a possible U.S. operation against Iraq, Schmidt said that Germany, as an ally, would do what was necessary and stated that dispatch of Patriot missiles to Turkey had been on the agenda and decision on that issue was taken.
Schmidt said that he knew that missiles were on the way and noted that a decision on deployment of AWACS aircraft to the region was also taken. He added that there were German officers in those aircrafts.
Schmidt said that it was out of question for Germany's land troops to take mission there and added that he could not tell number of officers in the aircrafts.
(EÖ-AÖ) 20.02.2003