VOA: Turkey/Germany

[root at newsdesk.aps.nl]

From: newsdesk at newsdesk.aps.nl (Newsdesk Amsterdam)
Subject: Re: VOA: Turkey/Germany
Reply-To: root at newsdesk.aps.nl

------ Forwarded from : Haldun Haznedar <haldun at AVALANCHE.MICRO.TI.COM> --------

date=3/27/95
byline= Al Pessin

Intro:  Turkey has expressed surprise at Germany's decision to
suspend military aid because of its operation in northern Iraq
designed to crush Kurdish guerrillas. VOA's Al Pessin reports
from Ankara.

Text: The German decision affects 105-million dollars worth of
subsidies which were to help pay for two ships for Turkey's navy,
to be built in Germany. Germany's Chancellor and Foreign
Minister have agreed the aid will not go forward unless it is
specifically approved by Parliament.

Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel made it clear he believes such
approval should be linked to a Turkish withdrawal from northern
Iraq. Mr. Kinkel said he was "Shocked" by a statement by Turkish
President suleiman Demirel that the troops could stay in place
for up to a year. Mr. kinkel said Mr. Demirel promised the
troops would be out quickly in a conversation last week.

In an interview with the Associated Press, President Demirel said
the operation will require more than just a few weeks, but
probably not more than a year. Other Turkish officials have
hinted at a time frame of perhaps a few months -- but no one is
saying exactly how long the troops will stay. Turkey says the
operation is needed to stop cross-border guerrilla attacks, and
will not affect civilians. But Mr. Kinkel warned Monday a
long-term operation will hurt Turkey's effort to improve
relations with Europe.

27-Mar-95 12:39 pm EST (1739 utc)

Source: Voice of America

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