ANKARA - Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok said on Monday that the troops Turkey would send to Northern Iraq and its attitude in giving permission for use of airspace are issues having separate characteristics.
Gen. Ozkok, Land Forces Commander Gen. Aytac Yalman, Air Forces Commander Gen. Cumhur Asparuk, Naval Forces Commander Admiral Bulent Alpkaya, and Gendarme General Commander Gen. Sener Eruygur visited Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal.
Gen. Ozkok responded to the questions of reporters following the visit.
When asked whether or not the developments pertaining to Iraq were discussed at the meeting, Gen. Ozkok said they exchanged views about the daily issues.
Gen. Ozkok said, ''troops we will send to Northern Iraq and giving permission to use airspace are not conditions of each other. They are issues having separate characteristics. Those will be considered according to the development of incidents. Turkish Armed Forces made various plans and preparations in this respect. Of course related decisions will be given when time comes.''
Gen. Ozkok said the government gave directives, and that authority was given from the Parliament to send troops abroad and use of airspace by other forces.
BAYKAL: I AM VERY PLEASED TO SEE THAT OUR COMMANDERS HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING THE DEVELOPMENTS CALMLY AND CAREFULLY
Baykal said that at the meeting, they had had the chance of discussing and assessing that issues and problems that Turkey was facing.
Stating that he had had the chance of learning about the latest developments in Iraq in detail from the commanders, Baykal said that it was a beneficial meeting.
Stressing that very important incidents about the future of the region and even the world were happening, Baykal said, ''I think it very beneficial to hold such meetings among soldiers, politicians and people from every social section during such a critical period.''
Noting that there was a need for evaluation of problems, threats and dangers that Turkey was currently facing, Baykal said that everybody including soldiers and politicians had great responsibilities in such a critical period.
''Our armed forces has a tradition. Our armed forces has always carefully evaluated the losses of our country and the threats against it with great feeling of responsibility. And I am very pleased to see that commanders are following the developments calmly and carefully at the current stage. Within their understanding, they are evaluating the incident together with its all dimensions and trying to analyze it calmly. During such a period and environment, we, as the opposition, power and armed forces, are doing what is necessary for paving the way for our country,'' he said.
When asked whether or not Turkish troops would enter northern Iraq, Baykal said that they were following the developments altogether.
Baykal said that they wanted to contribute to everything necessary for Turkey's security and Turkish people's safety.
(MS-AÖ) 24.03.2003