Visit our website: HTTP://WWW.STOPNATO.ORG.UK --------------------------------------------- "It does not matter for us who wins," the U.S. official was quoted telling the agency. "Our aim is to see the widespread use of American-designated F-16s in Europe. In this issue, we are not a competitor with Turkey but partner." Middle East Newsline August 30, 2001 TURKEY, U.S. AGREE TO COOPERATE ON F-16s ANKARA [MENL] -- Turkey and the United States have decided that when it comes to arms sales cooperation is preferable to competition. The two NATO allies have agreed to cooperate in the marketing of the F-16s to new members of the alliance as well as Central European countries. This includes Austria, Hungary and Poland. Both Ankara and Washington have been offering to lease F-16s to Budapest. The Turkish offer is said to be half the price of the U.S. bid. The Anatolia news agency quoted a U.S. military official as saying that the Turkish-U.S. alliance is meant to defeat efforts to sell European aircraft to Eastern and Central European countries. "It does not matter for us who wins," the U.S. official was quoted as telling the agency. "Our aim is to see widespread use of American-designated F-16s in Europe. In this issue, we are not a competitor with Turkey but partner." The proposal is that Turkey and the United States would cooperate in tenders as well as participate in the supply of spare parts, logistical support and training for the F-16. The first target is Hungary, which is expected to announce a decision on a warplane purchase as early as next week. The Budapest-based Nepszabadsag daily said Hungary is ready to accept a U.S. offer to purchase 24 F-16s. Hungarian Defense Minister Janos Szabo said Budapest has received several offers to upgrade the F-16s, including from Israel. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get email alerts & NEW webcam video instant messaging with Yahoo! Messenger http://im.yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------- This Discussion List is the follow-up for the old stopnato @listbot.com that has been shut down ==^================================================================ EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.a9spWA Or send an email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This email was sent to: archive@jab.org T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
