D.P.C. Agrees To Conclude Operation Through A Gradual Redeployment Of Nato Forces From Turkey

BRUSSELS - NATO's Defense Planning Committee (DPC) agreed to conclude the operation through a gradual redeployment of NATO forces from Turkey.
NATO's Defense Planning Committee (DPC) and North Atlantic Council (NAC) which convened this morning, decided to take this decision upon the proposal of Turkey that there was a serious decrease in level of threat posed from Iraq. The military authorities of the Alliance also found this appropriate.
The proposal, which was brought onto agenda of DPC and NAC by Turkey's Permanent Representative to NATO Ahmet Uzumcu, was accepted with applause.
Ankara last February called on threats stemming from Iraq to be considered and Article 4 to be put into practice for Turkey's defense.
NATO's measures were initiated in the context of Alliance commitments under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which calls for consultations whenever the security of any ally is threatened. NATO's military deployments consisted of AWACS surveillance aircraft and crews, theatre missile defences and chemical and biological defence equipment. Operation Display Deterrence played an important part in maintaining stability and demonstrating Alliance solidarity at a volatile time.
Germany, France, and Belgium delayed to give a positive response to Turkey's demand with the concern that NATO would indirectly be a side to Iraq war.
Upon this, within the body of the DPC, in which France did not participate in, and after convincing of Belgium and Germany with intense pressure, a decision had been taken and necessary directives were given on February 19.
Redeployment of NATO forces will begin shortly, in close coordination with Turkish authorities. The NATO military authorities have assessed that, as the probability increases that Iraq can no longer generate the military capability to threaten the security of Turkey, and as coalition forces operating in northern Iraq strengthen their hold on territory and military installations, a phased withdrawal of NATO forces committed to the defence of Turkey is militarily appropriate.
(AY) 16.04.2003