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http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=10/7/02&Cat=4&Num=004 Teheran Times October 7, 2002 Turkey to Consider Military Response If Iraqi Kurds Seek Independence -Turkey has acknowledged that it already has a certain number of soldiers in northern Iraq. ANKARA -- Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit warned on Sunday that his country could consider a military response to a possible independence bid by Kurds in neighboring northern Iraq, Anatolia News Agency reported. "Our eyes will be fixed on northern Iraq and we will take the necessary measures even if the slightest negative development emerges," Ecevit told TV8 television in an interview, the text of which was carried by Anatolia. Asked whether the measures could include a military operation, Ecevit said: "I hope not, but if it becomes necessary this could be considered, of course." Turkey has acknowledged that it already has a certain number of soldiers in northern Iraq. Ankara has recently issued warnings on a daily basis to the Iraqi Kurds, who have been running northern Iraq outside Baghdad's authority and under the protection of a U.S.-enforced no-fly zone since the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Turkey worries they could move toward independence if the United States topples Saddam Hussein, setting an example for its own Kurds in adjoining southeastern Turkey. The two main factions controlling northern Iraq -- the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) -- have agreed on a draft constitution for a future Arab-Kurdish federation in Iraq. The two groups, which are among opposition forces Washington is trying to unite against Baghdad, convened their regional Parliament for the first time in six years on Friday. Ecevit cast doubt on KDP and PUK assurances that they do not seek independence, Reuters said. "The Kurdish population in northern Iraq has accomplished almost everything what characterizes a state, except for national currency. And of course this is making us tense ... they give certain assurances, but I have doubts about how sincere they are," he said. Turkey's fears over a possible Kurdish state in the region lies at the core of its opposition to U.S. plans to change the regime in Baghdad. It has accused Washington of encouraging the Iraqi Kurds to move toward independence. __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Faith Hill - Exclusive Performances, Videos & More http://faith.yahoo.com --------------------------- ANTI-NATO INFORMATION LIST ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: archive@jab.org EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.bacIlu Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
