Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a strong declaration in response to US Ambassador to Turkey Ross Wilson's statement opposing a possible cross-border operation in northern Iraq.
Erdogan said that Mr. Wilson cannot make a decision regarding Turkey’s cross-border operation in response to Wilson’s statement that “Turkey should not carry out a unilateral cross-border operation in northern Iraq.”
“The relevant Turkish government institutions can make such a decision. We will decide and then exercise that decision.”
Prime Minister Erdogan said he spoke with US President George W. Bush concerning a cross-border operation, and added that Turkey has made the necessary preparations for a military operation into northern Iraq.
“Differing approaches in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable. We are keeping ourselves ready for all possible developments.”
At the General Assembly Meeting of the Foreign Economic Relations Council (DEIK), Erdogan told reporters that Wilson’s statement is “wrong.”
Turkey welcomes working in conjunction with the relevant countries to remove the PKK presence in northern Iraq.
“All our security units carry out their duties and are determined to continue to do so in the future,” said Prime Minister Erdogan, stressing that it is impossible just sit back and watch as events upset Turkey’s security.
A meeting of Turkey’s Higher Anti-terror Board (TMYK) underlined that Turkey has the right of legitimate defense and hot pursuit in response to border incidents.
This approach was supported by the government and the army.
Turkey told the US administration, which is opposed to Turkey launching a cross-border operation into northern Iraq “unilaterally,” that “the US should fulfill its responsibilities as an ally of Turkey and stop pursuing double-standard policies.”
Following Mr. Wilson’s statement, diplomatic sources said: “Turkey offered to act in cooperation with its allies to eliminate terrorism entirely. Our allies should make similar efforts also. Allies with a common vision should cooperate.”
While Turkey has conveyed to the US its expectations regarding the complete removal of the PKK, the US says it does not want Turkey to enter northern Iraq.
In response, Turkey said: “We neither wish to occupy Iraq nor to destroy it. Obviously, our aim is to use our right of legitimate defense in order to end terrorism that should have been stopped by the Iraqi government.”