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- TURKISH PRIME MINISTER ERDOGAN SAYS JOINT STATEMENT ON IRAQ IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE FOR TURKEY
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that the joint statement on Iraq that was approved in the NATO Summit was of great importance for Turkey.
Erdogan who held a news conference following the NATO Summit said this statement was also very important as allies who went through a difficult period during Iraq crisis put forth a consensus on Iraq issue.
''The statement on Iraq includes noteworthy observations on general situation in Iraq and principles that should be complied with,'' Erdogan noted.
Erdogan said that the statement's underlining clearly that terrorist activities stemming from Iraq threatened neighbor countries, and security of the region was of great importance for Turkey.
Recalling that Afghan President Hamid Karzai also attended Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) meeting, Erdogan said, ''especially the meeting with Karzai is a historical one. This meeting was very beneficial and constructive, as it showed Euro-Atlantic group's commitment toward the future of Afghanistan. This issue appeared clearly both in NATO meetings and also in bilateral meetings.''
Erdogan noted that this summit also contributed to European Union (EU) countries' approach toward Turkey's EU membership.
In regard to Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul's holding a trilateral meeting on Monday with Foreign Minister Elmar Memmedyarov of Azerbaijan and Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan of Armenia, Erdogan said that he hoped that foreign ministers' decision to continue to hold such meetings would contribute to regional stability and solution of regional issues.
Noting that he had had the opportunity of holding a series of bilateral meetings during the summit, Erdogan said that he had reviewed bilateral and Turkey-EU relations with the Italian, Spanish and Slovenian prime ministers.
Recalling that he had held a detailed meeting separately with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev and Afghan Head of State Hamid Karzai, Erdogan said that he had met with French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder prior to last night's banquet and held a brief exchange of opinions. Erdogan said that he had held several meetings with all heads of state and government during NATO meetings.
Erdogan added that the Istanbul summit was a well-timed, beneficial and successful meeting in terms of steering the NATO's future, Turkey's promotion and bringing importance of Turkey to the forefront.
22:45 - 29.06.2004
- TURKISH PRIME MINISTER ERDOGAN SAYS TURKEY ACCOMPLISHED A VERY DIFFICULT MISSION HOSTING NATO SUMMIT
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that Turkey accomplished a very difficult mission by hosting NATO Summit in Istanbul.
Erdogan who held a news conference following the NATO Summit stated that Turkey accomplished a very important mission by hosting NATO Summit. He said that heads of state and government who attended the summit shared a similar view as well.
Erdogan said that Turkey represented a synthesis between Islam culture and democracy, between traditionality and modernism and between the past and the future, and stressed that this summit showed once again that Turkey was a powerful light of hope for dialogue between civilizations and cultures.
Underlining that Istanbul Summit pointed to a critical aspect in NATO's transformation process, he said that decisions taken in the summit would be a historical turning point for the future, world peace and stability.
Erdogan said that decisions on extension of NATO mandate in Afghanistan to areas beyond Kabul, upon the demand of central government to support elections that would be held in this country, were confirmed in the NATO Summit.
He said: ''It has been decided to end NATO operation in Bosnia Herzegovina at the end of the year and assist the EU that is going to undertake a new operation there in light of achievements in this country. A new package of measures like enhancement of capabilities for prevention of possible chemical, biological and nuclear attacks and exchange of intelligence including several measures in fight against terrorism.
It has been decided to initiate work on removal of logistic and financial difficulties which restrict participation of member nations in NATO operations and to provide capabilities which are determined to be necessary to fight new threats.
It has been stressed that accession of seven new countries would not be the last expansion and that the Alliance's open-door policy would be preserved.
It has been decided to give priority to Caucasian and Central Asian countries within the NATO's partnership relations.
The 'Istanbul Cooperation Initiative' which the leaders decided to carry out in full partnership and consultation with the regional countries in line with the approaches at the G-8 meeting and U.S.-EU summits has been put into practice. It has been decided to improve the existing Mediterranean Dialogue by preserving its peculiar identity in parallel to the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative.
In accordance with UN Security Council resolution 1546 and in line with the Iraqi interim government's demand, it has been decided that NATO will undertake a role in the training of Iraqi security forces and a domestic study will be initiated regarding supplementary steps.''
Erdogan added, ''in line with all these decisions, we clearly see that the NATO's transformation process that is built on new capabilities, new partnerships and operations has gained a new horizon and been accelerated at Istanbul summit. This visionary quality of the Istanbul summit was actually mentioned also in the Istanbul Declaration that was adopted at the summit. Releasing of such a statement in addition of its content for the first time since the London summit in 1990 that was held shortly after end of the Cold War, affirms the importance of the Istanbul summit.''
22:44 - 29.06.2004
- PRESIDENT BUSH SAYS THE UNITED STATES BELIEVE TURKEY BELONGS TO THE EU
The U.S. President George W. Bush strongly supported Turkey's European Union (EU) membership and said that Turkey, as a Muslim, secular and tolerant country, is very important for the future of broader Middle East region.
Speaking at Istanbul's Galatasaray University, Bush said that Turkey's historical significance was now greater than ever. He added that a tolerant Turkish society is a bridge between Europe, Asia and Middle East and said that Turkey's success is very important for Middle East and Europe.
Bush said that he was honored to describe Turkey as an ''ally and friend'', adding that there were many citizens of Turkish origin living in the United States.
He recalled that as the USA they have been supporting many countries in their integration in Europe for years and now the EU would take a decision about Turkey's membership. He said that Turkey met the standards of the EU and is rapidly paving the membership way. He added that Mustafa Kemal Ataturk had a strong vision and he noted that the United States believe that Turkey, as a European power, belongs to the EU.
Underlining both the Muslim and European identity of Turkey, Bush said that the EU should prove that it is not a club of a single religion by accepting Turkey in the Union.
Bush said that actually there was an artificial border between Turkey and Europe now and added that the United States cannot accept this.
Bush also thanked Turkey for its role, as a democratic partner, in Middle East initiative.
Expressing the belief that freedom would bring peace to the Middle East, Bush said he believed that freedom would be the future of the whole humanity.
Bush said millions of people in the Greater Middle East region lived under pressure, noting that reforms and transformation were needed to be made in this region. He said countries like Turkey and the United States would help this. He said this transformation process would not be an easy one, noting however they would successfully complete this job given by the history to them.
Stressing that democracy could not be imposed but that Muslim people living in those countries who missed reforms up to now could prefer democracy, he said one alternative those people face was suicide attacks and death and the other one was a peaceful living.
Bush said political extremism and war were everywhere in the world, and stated Iraq and Iran as examples. Bush said they saw this struggle also in Turkey where terrorist PKK organization resumed acts of violence.
Bush said terrorists could not win and that democracy ideal was also strong in the Middle East.
Pointing to the reforms implemented in Kuwait, Bahrain, Morocco, and Yemen, Bush said countries who embrace violence invited more violence.
U.S. President Bush said Turkey has become a more stable democracy, stressing that U.S. had the hope that others would follow Turkey's path.
Insisting on the transfer of sovereignty in Iraq, Bush said this country became the brand of new democracy in the world only 15 months after war.
Bush said terrorists wanted to damage future of Iraq but indicated that they could not prevent the arrival of democracy in Iraq.
Recalling that NATO agreed to assist Iraqi security forces, Bush said that he was grateful to Turkey and other countries who helped Iraq's self-rule and reconstruction.
Poverty, diseases and corruption caused terrorism, Bush said and pointed out that NATO's importance has been increased.
Recalling the terrorist attacks which hit Turkey last November, Bush said that people who staged those attack had no religion and stressed that friends of those people were evil.
Bush said that if a person in his country spoke badly of Muslims, it had a negative impact on reforms made in Muslim world and similarly, if a person in the Islamic world spoke badly of the West, it had a negative effect on West's perspective on the Muslims.
U.S. President Bush ended his speech saying ''God bless Turkey and the United States''.
17:54 - 29.06.2004
- NATO SUMMIT ENDS
NATO Summit, which was held in Istanbul, ended on Tuesday.
Leaders, who attended the Summit, brought Afghanistan and Iraq issues onto the agenda. They decided to deploy additional military troops in Afghanistan and accepted the request of Iraqi government for training of its security forces.
Heads of state and government of 26 allied countries and 20 partner countries convened for NATO Istanbul Summit.
NATO leaders have exerted efforts to end ''intransigence atmosphere'' regarding Iraq crisis and they considered that they have reached this aim.
Allies unanimously promised to support new Iraqi government and they shed green light for those who wanted to contribute the training of Iraqi security forces.
Afghanistan has become the main issue that reflected the global dimension and targets of NATO.
The Organization has decided to broaden its responsibility and influence limits in Afghanistan by increasing the number of its soldiers in this country. Thus, it showed that it does not have limits in defense field and fight against terrorism.
Another important development during the Summit was that allies have agreed to bring the SFOR mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina to a successful conclusion by the end of the year and the European Union (EU) shed green light to operations of EUFOR in the beginning of next year. EU authorities, who exerted great efforts to convince allies such as the United States and Turkey about the issue, departed from Istanbul with pleasure and excitement, while Bosnians had great concerns and also were insecure towards the EU. NATO also tried to convey the message that it did not leave Bosnia to the EU.
One of the most important decisions which was taken during the Summit was ''Istanbul Cooperation Initiative''.
NATO, which improved its dialogue with Mediterranean countries, made concrete its call for dialogue with the Middle East and especially the Gulf countries.
''Defense leg'' of the Greater Middle East Initiative, which was brought onto agenda under the leadership of the United States and Britain, has started to be established in Istanbul.
NATO gave priority to joint fight against proliferation of mass destruction weapons and terrorism. Its technical decisions which were taken on the issue in Istanbul have great importance.
Albania, Croatia and Hungary, which wanted to be member of NATO, were only given ''encouragement messages''.
Political wing of the Organization has taken new steps for development of dialogue with Caucasian and Central Asian countries and it appointed special representatives to these regions.
First command transfer under NATO Response Force (NRF) was made in Istanbul and also Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR) U.S. General James Jones and Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok conveyed significant messages.
Military representatives stressed the response force, influence and authority field, speed and capabilities of NRF. They also underlined the importance of fight against terrorism for soldiers.
NATO high-ranking officials described the Summit and its results as ''very successful'', ''perfect'' and ''harmonious''.
17:53 - 29.06.2004
- MODALITIES OF TRAINING IRAQI FORCES TO BE KNOWN WITHIN ONE AND A HALF MONTHS
The modalities of training Iraqi security forces are expected to become clear within one and a half months, sources said on Tuesday.
Sources said that NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer would draft a report on what the Alliance could do to restructure Iraqi defense institutions.
NATO military authorities would then make their recommendations to NATO Council.
The Council would make the final decision, the sources said, stating that the result was expected to become certain within one and a half months.
Beforehand NATO will have consultations with the Iraqi authorities to learn about what are the needs of this country.
Sources said that Iraqi security forces might be trained either in or outside of this country.
Noting that Turkey had not yet taken any decision about the matter, sources said that Turkey, as a NATO member, would normally contribute to training of the Iraqi security forces. However Ankara's approach towards training Iraqi police force in Iraq isn't positive, it was indicated.
Germany, Poland, Britain and Canada are currently training security forces in Iraq.
Sources said that NATO envisages to train Iraqi forces and this training could be carried out under the umbrella of NATO.
-NEW PARTNERSHIP MECHANISM-
On the other hand diplomatic sources considered decisions taken during NATO Istanbul Summit ''an important turning point in NATO's transformation process.''
The new partnership mechanism established by Gulf countries ''created defense and security dimension of the Greater Middle East Initiative,'' sources pointed out.
The same sources stated that regional countries' approach, including Saudi Arabia, was positive towards the mechanism, according to preliminary consultations with the Gulf countries. Under the new cooperation, officers of countries member to the new mechanism will be trained in NATO headquarters.
The mechanism named as ''Istanbul Cooperation Initiative'' will work according to 26+1 system.
Resolution of Palestinian-Israeli dispute would largely contribute to the process, sources said.
-ISAF-
Turkey is expected to take over International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) command one more time in February 2005, it was also announced.
Sources said that there were nine army corps allocated by NATO member countries to the Alliance, and noted that one of those army corps was the third army corps of Turkey based in Istanbul.
The same sources said that Turkey was expected to take over ISAF command from Eurocore, adding that Italy would be the next country assuming the command after Turkey.
Sources added that how many troops Turkey would send to Afghanistan to ensure security was not clear yet. Turkey currently has 160 troops in this country.
17:52 - 29.06.2004
- TWO FOREIGN MEMBERS OF GREENPEACE DEPORTED AFTER PROTEST ON ISTANBUL'S BRIDGE
Two foreign members of the Greenpeace were deported after they protested NATO summit on Istanbul's Bogazici Bridge on Monday, sources said on Tuesday.
Sources said that British citizens Nicky Davies and William Peden were deported after they were detained during an anti-NATO protest on Istanbul's Bogazici Bridge yesterday.
The two Greenpeace activists boarded on Turkish Airlines (THY) flight to Dutch capital Amsterdam.
Turkish police detained on Monday 18 Greenpeace members in NATO protest in Istanbul. A group of Greenpeace members hung a banner writing ''Nukes out of NATO'' on the Bogazici Bridge, chained themselves on iron bars of the bridge and made a press statement to protest NATO. Greenpeace member Ozgur Gurbuz responsible for energy campaign, member Nicky Davies responsible for international disarmament campaign and member William Peden responsible for nuclear disarmament campaign were among the detainees.
NATO Heads of State and Government Summit opened on Monday. World leaders including U.S. President George Bush, French President Jacques Chirac, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and British Prime Minister Tony Blair attended the summit which closed on Tuesday.
17:51 - 29.06.2004
- TURKEY HAS NOT YET TAKEN DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO TRAIN IRAQI SECURITY FORCES
Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday that Turkey has not yet taken any decision whether or not to train Iraqi security forces.
Speaking to Turkish Radio and Television Corp (TRT) Gul said that Turkey had made no commitment regarding Iraq during the NATO Istanbul summit.
Asked whether or not Turkey would train Iraqi security forces, Gul said, ''Those decisions would be peculiar to each country. However, as to Iraq, the important thing is the reiteration of that country's territorial and political integrity by NATO members and the determination expressed on the fight against terrorism stemming from Iraq.''
The minister added that the joint NATO statement on Iraq was a success for Turkey, saying that allied countries were considering sending troops to Iraq under NATO umbrella but Turkey continuously expressed its reservations on this matter.
Gul said the crack in Euro-Atlantic relations was overcome at the summit, adding that further support would be expended to Afghanistan.
17:50 - 29.06.2004
- ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER SEES TURKEY A SYMBOL OF DIALOGUE AMONG CULTURES
Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini on Tuesday extended full support to Turkey's European Union (EU) membership process and said that he saw Turkey a symbol of harmony and dialogue among cultures.
Frattini met with Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul in Istanbul, where the NATO summit was held.
Sources quoted Frattini as saying at his meeting with Gul that Turkey could trust Italy's friendship during its EU process.
Frattini recalled that the upcoming term president of the EU would be the Netherlands and said that Netherlands' term presidency would be positive for Turkey.
Other members of the Union were also extending active support to Turkey, Frattini stated.
Frattini said that he was very impressed by Turkey's holding of the NATO summit, and pointed out that this had shown Turkey's power and capacity.
He was making an objective observation, not praising Turkey with his words, Frattini said.
Frattini added that he considered Turkey a symbol of harmony and dialogue among cultures.
Earlier, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said that the EU should keep the promise it made to Turkey 41 years ago and make a decision to open full membership negotiations with Turkey at the end of this year.
French President Jacques Chirac said that Turkey's EU path was an ''irreversible'' process.
The EU announced that Turkey was a candidate at EU Helsinki Summit in 1999. The EU is expected to decide whether or not to open negotiations with Turkey in its summit in December.
17:49 - 29.06.2004
- ALLIANCE DECIDES TO UNDERLIE COOPERATION TO STRENGTHEN PEACE AND STABILITY IN EURO-ATLANTIC AREA
Heads of state and government of 26 allied countries and 20 partner countries convened at Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) meeting under the 17th NATO Summit in Istanbul, and decided to underlie cooperation to strengthen peace and stability in Euro-Atlantic area.
At the first session of the meeting, EAPC heads of state and government met with President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan to discuss progress in that country.
All recognized that much remains to be done for Afghanistan to become a peaceful and stable country, fully integrated into the international community.
EAPC leaders welcomed the decisions taken by the Alliance to expand International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and provide support to the Afghan authorities for the upcoming elections. Allies and partners alike recognized that their common security was at stake in the success of Afghanistan, and agreed upon the importance of accepting risks and facing responsibilities together.
EAPC leaders urged Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia and Montenegro, which attended the meeting as observers, to meet the outstanding conditions set for Partnership for Peace (PfP) membership by Allies.
The allied and partner countries reaffirmed the resolve of their states to fight the scourge of terrorism in facing up to new common threats to security.
They took stock of initiatives aimed at increasing the EAPC's contribution to the fight against terrorism and broadly endorsed the further implementation of the Partnership Action Plan against Terrorism, developed by Allies and Partners.
They welcomed NATO's intention to place a special focus on relations with the states of the Caucasus and Central Asia. The Alliance decided to appoint one liaison officer for each region.
During the meeting, Albania, Macedonia and Croatia, which were waiting for a date for participation in the Alliance, were given an encouraging message that NATO's doors were open for them.
Meanwhile, foreign ministers of Albania, Croatia and Macedonia, which formed the Adriatic Group to adjust to NATO criteria, released a statement at the end of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council saying, ''we reaffirm the readiness of our countries to keep providing and extending whenever it is feasible, all our effective contribution to NATO's policies, initiatives, missions and operations. We reiterate our commitment to achieve full membership in NATO at the earliest possible date on our individual merits.''
NATO has engaged in partnerships with non-allied countries since 1991 to help often newly independent states build a solid democratic environment, maintain political stability and modernize their armed forces.
Besides 26 allied countries, 20 cooperation partners - Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Croatia, Finland, Georgia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Ukraine - formed the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council.
NATO and partner countries meet on a regular basis to discuss a multitude of political and security-related issues including joint fight against terrorism, arms control, peace-keeping operations, defense economy and nuclear safety.
17:48 - 29.06.2004
- FRENCH PRESIDENT SAYS TURKEY'S EU PATH IS A PATH OF NO RETURN
French President Jacques Chirac said on Tuesday that Turkey's EU path was a path of no return.
Chirac, who attended NATO summit in Istanbul, told a press conference that France would wait for the report to be prepared about Turkey's EU membership by the EU Commission, but Turkey's EU path was an ''irreversible'' process.
When recalled that German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder openly supported Turkey's EU membership and asked to make a clear statement about Turkey's EU membership since his earlier statements were interpreted in two different ways, Chirac said that there was no difference of opinion between him and Schroeder.
Chirac said that he openly expressed his views about Turkey's membership yesterday.
Noting that France would wait for the report that EU Commissioner for enlargement Guenter Verheugen would submit to the Commission in October, Chirac said that they would consider whether or not Turkey had fully met Copenhagen criteria.
Earlier, Schroeder said that the EU should keep the promise it made to Turkey 41 years ago and make a decision to open full membership negotiations with Turkey at the end of this year.
The EU announced that Turkey was a candidate at EU Helsinki Summit in 1999. The EU is expected to decide whether or not to open negotiations with Turkey in its summit in December.
17:47 - 29.06.2004
- PRESIDENT BUSH GIVES PKK AS AN EXAMPLE OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS
U.S. President George Bush said on Tuesday that the resurgence of terrorist acts of PKK towards Turkish people is an example of acts of terror in the Middle East.
Speaking at Istanbul's Galatasaray University, Bush said that fight between political extremism and modern values is still continuing.
He mentioned terrorist groups in Iraq and Palestine and the terrorist organization PKK, and noted that terrorism could not prevail forever. Bush said that democracy exists in many Muslim countries, and some of them have already made reforms.
Bush stated that the Middle East would eventually be ruled by free people.
The United States, NATO, European Union (EU) and G-8 were supporting efforts to build modern societies in the Middle East, Bush said.
Bush noted that a struggle is underway in Iraq to establish democracy, adding that a democratic regime in Iraq would raise hopes for reforms in the Middle East.
17:47 - 29.06.2004
- CETIN SAYS PM ERDOGAN HAS EXPLAINED TURKEY'S VIEW REGARDING ARMY CORPS TO BE SENT TO AFGHANISTAN
NATO Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan Hikmet Cetin said on Tuesday that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan conveyed Turkey's view to NATO regarding the Third Army Corps which is planned to be sent to Afghanistan as a contribution to NATO troops.
Cetin visited A.A office in Istanbul during NATO Summit and answered questions.
Upon a question regarding Turkish Third Army Corps' which supposedly will undertake the command of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Cetin said that PM Erdogan explained Turkey's view about the issue to NATO officials.
When asked whether Turkey could undertake this mission or not, Cetin recalled that the command would be undertaken by different NATO members every six months. He added that Turkey is a country which has high military capabilities within NATO.
Cetin said that the command could be undertaken by Turkey and Italy next year and negotiations were actually holding on the issue.
Noting that NATO does not need to take a new decision to send troops in areas beyond Kabul, Cetin said that in accordance with the previous resolution of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), NATO forces could undertake mission in every part of Afghanistan, however this would be a gradual process.
Cetin recalled that Afghan administration attributed great importance to deployment of NATO additional forces on its territory prior to elections that are planned to be held in September. He said that first positive signals were received from Italy and Belgium, adding that those countries announced that they would send troops to Afghanistan before the elections.
17:46 - 29.06.2004
- NATO PLEASED OVER ISTANBUL SUMMIT
NATO high ranking officials said they were extremely pleased over the results of Istanbul summit.
Speaking at a news conference the high ranking officials told that the summit was extremely successful and harmonious, stating that it had been a historic summit for the Alliance.
Officials said a joint and clear attitude was determined on Iraq, that EU-U.S-NATO compromise was reaffirmed, and that everything necessary had been done in Afghanistan.
Officials said the call which was made to the Middle East and Gulf countries for dialogue within the framework of ''Istanbul Cooperation Initiative'' constituted a ''historical first'', and noted that, ''bridges are being formed with the Middle East. The only place this could be done was really the dream city of Istanbul.''
Officials said many important decisions, such as adaptation NATO military capabilities and cooperation in fight against terrorism were taken in Istanbul summit. They also said dialogue continued between Russia and Ukraine despite the current problems.
The officials said new steps have been taken toward the Caucasus and Central Asia.
17:45 - 29.06.2004
- PRESIDENT BUSH SAYS UNITED STATES WON'T ACCEPT SEPARATION OF EUROPE AND TURKEY BY ARTIFICIAL BORDERS
U.S. President George Bush said on Tuesday that the United States would not accept separation of Europe and Turkey by artificial borders.
Speaking at Istanbul's Galatasaray University, Bush said that including Turkey in the European Union (EU) would prove that Europe was not the exclusive club of a single religion, and it would expose the ''clash of civilizations'' as a passing myth of history.
''Turkey, a power of Europe, had a place in the EU'', Bush noted.
He also stated that ''Turkey had found a place in the community of democracies''.
The United States would not accept separation of Europe and Turkey by artificial borders, Bush added.
International television channels broadcast live Bush's speech.
17:45 - 29.06.2004
- GERMAN CHANCELLOR SAYS EU SHOULD DECIDE TO OPEN TALKS WITH TURKEY YEAR-END
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said on Tuesday that the European Union (EU) should keep the promise it made to Turkey 41 years ago and make a decision to open full membership negotiations with Turkey, at the end of this year.
Schroeder, who is in Istanbul for the NATO summit, held a press conference in which he praised Turkey's successful holding of the two-day summit.
The EU should decide to start membership negotiations with Turkey at the end of this year in case the EU Commission prepared a positive report on the progress recorded by Turkey, Schroeder said.
Schroeder appreciated reforms performed and steps taken by Turkey in recent years.
The EU announced that Turkey is a candidate at EU Helsinki Summit in 1999. The EU is expected to decide whether or not to open negotiations with Turkey in its summit in December.
17:43 - 29.06.2004
- AFGHAN PRESIDENT ASKS NATO TO SEND ADDITIONAL TROOPS BEFORE SEPTEMBER
Afghan President Hamid Karzai asked NATO on Tuesday to send additional troops to Afghanistan urgently.
Addressing the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) held on the second day of NATO Istanbul Summit, Karzai welcomed NATO's decision to send additional troops to Afghanistan to enhance support to upcoming elections.
He stressed that Afghan people supported activities of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the international community.
''Afghan people wanted more support and more security forces since they had seen how successful ISAF had been in Kabul'', Karzai said.
Karzai stated that Afghan people were ready for elections and they wanted settlement of democracy and democratic institutions in their country. He asked NATO to send additional troops before September so that Afghan people could cast their votes freely.
Deployment of additional troops in Afghanistan before elections would help fair, free and secure elections, Karzai said.
Karzai pointed out that the main problems in his country was terrorism, special militia forces and illicit drug production.
13:47 - 29.06.2004
- NATO-UKRAINE COMMISSION MEETING HELD
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Sheffer said on Tuesday that NATO-Ukraine relations had been progressing further on the basis of values of the Alliance.
Holding a press conference together with President Leonid Kuchma of Ukraine following the NATO-Ukraine Commission meeting held under the 17th NATO Summit in Istanbul, Sheffer said, ''Ukraine's ultimate success in this effort is in the interest of everyone represented at this table. Allies recognize and appreciate this.''
Noting that they had held a very important and comprehensive meeting, Sheffer said that NATO's values were shared by all.
Stressing that NATO-Ukraine relations had been progressing further on the basis of values of the Alliance, Sheffer told reporters that Ukraine was loyal to the values of the Alliance.
Sheffer added that NATO attributed importance to democracy, fair elections, freedom of press and expression in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, President Kuchma of Ukraine said in his part that besides military and technical cooperation, many other important issues were discussed at the meeting, and that a sound ground was established for development of NATO-Ukraine relations and cooperation.
Upon a question, President Kuchma said that any certain date was not set for NATO membership of Ukraine.
He added that Ukraine's economic development and reconstruction of public institutions would have an important impact in NATO membership of Ukraine.
13:46 - 29.06.2004
- TURKISH PRIME MINISTERS MEETS WITH FRENCH PRESIDENT AND GERMAN CHANCELLOR
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder before dinner he hosted at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul on Monday, sources said on Tuesday.
Sources said that leaders discussed Turkey's European Union (EU) membership process for 15 minutes before the dinner Erdogan hosted in honor of heads of state and government of NATO member countries last night.
Erdogan once more expressed Turkey's expectation that the EU should set a date in its summit in December to open negotiations with Turkey and asked the two leaders to support Turkey.
Chirac and Schroeder both stated that they would continue to support Turkey's EU membership process.
The EU announced Turkey's candidacy at the Helsinki Summit in 1999. The Union is expected to decide on whether or not to open full membership negotiations with Turkey in its summit in December 2004.
13:45 - 29.06.2004
- -DE HOOP SCHEFFER AND KARZAI HOLD JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE
NATO Secretary General Jaap De Hoop Scheffer said on Tuesday that additional troops would be deployed in Afghanistan within 6-8 weeks.
NATO pledged to send troops to Afghanistan to provide security for September's key elections.
De Hoop Scheffer and Afghan President Hamid Karzai held a joint news conference on the second day of NATO Summit in Istanbul.
De Hoop Scheffer said NATO, UN, EU and all the donor countries should act in coordination during the election process.
Karzai on his part expressed pleasure over decision of deployment of extra troops. He said this was needed for security and betterment of economic life of Afghan people.
Karzai said terrorism will continue to be a problem in Afghanistan, stating this is a long term war. He said terrorists attacked on civilian people, employee who work for reconstruction, and to women, but they cannot be considered as a threat to the political process.
On the other hand foreign ministers of the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) reaffirmed their desire to broaden political dialogue within the NRC, with a view of promoting a common approach and to undertake possible joint actions.
11:07 - 29.06.2004
-SECOND DAY OF NATO SUMMIT STARTS
The second and the last day of the 17th NATO Summit in Istanbul started on Tuesday.
NATO-Ukraine Commission (NUC) and Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) meetings will be held later in the day.
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and President Leonid Kuchma of Ukraine will address NUC meeting.
De Hoop Scheffer and President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan are the speakers of EAPC meeting.
Leaders will partake in the working lunch of EAPC.
The summit will end with a news conference by NATO Secretary General de Hoop Scheffer.
Meanwhile, a protocol signing ceremony will take place with the participation of Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul and U.S. Secretary
of State Colin Powell following the summit. During the ceremony Istanbul Municipality and Human Sources Development Fund (IKGV) will sign a protocol regarding the establishment of a shelter for legal, psychological and medical consultations for illegal immigrants.
11:06 - 29.06.2004
NATO SECRETARY GENERAL SCHEFFER SAYS NATO IS PREPARING FOR FUTURE BY STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIP
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said on Monday that NATO was preparing for the future by strengthening partnership.
Speaking at a banquet at the Topkapi Palace hosted in honor of heads of state and government of Europe-Atlantic Partnership Council attending the NATO Istanbul Summit, Scheffer said that North Atlantic Assembly proved its value. He stressed that it also helped formation of security culture which appeared in new democracies last 10 years.
Scheffer said that NATO was preparing for the future by strengthening and deepening partnership.
Participation of Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Tuesday's session of the summit would be an expression of NATO's contribution to stability in Afghanistan, he stressed.
Stating that presidents of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia would also attend the meeting on Tuesday, Scheffer said that he hoped that presidents of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia would join them soon.
Scheffer said that Turkey was located at crossroads of Balkans, Caucasus, Middle East, Mediterranean and Black Sea, stressing that to this end, Istanbul was the most appropriate place for this summit.
23:56 - 28.06.2004
ERDOGAN: ''OUR ALLIANCE IS ON RIGHT PATH''
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his impressions prove that NATO's transformation process which had started after the Cold War was brought to a new and more influential point and that the alliance was on the right path.
Speaking at a banquet at the Topkapi Palace hosted in honor of heads of state and government of Europe-Atlantic Partnership Council attending the NATO Istanbul Summit on Monday, Erdogan said, ''professional work environment and powerful alliance path have encouraged me for both safety and prosperity of our peoples and the future of this organization.''
''My impressions have shown me that the alliance's transformation process that started after the Cold War has been raised to a new and more influential point. The recent expansion with seven new members has brought a new force to the NATO. All members have same determination in fulfilling their difficult tasks, consequently our alliance is on the right path. Another fact that pleases me is that the alliance does not see itself as a privileged club but attributes great importance to its relations with allies and their sensitivities,'' Erdogan said.
23:56 - 28.06.2004
MEETING OF NATO-RUSSIA COUNCIL HELD (2)
Foreign Ministers of the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) reaffirmed their desire to broaden NRC political dialogue with a view to promoting common approaches and possible joint actions.
Releasing a written statement after the meeting, ministers conveyed that they exchanged views on current international security issues, including the situations in Afghanistan, in the Balkans and in Iraq.
Ministers declared full support for the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq and they welcomed the United Nations Security Council Resolution regarding Iraq.
Ministers expressed their solidarity in standing against terrorist threat and took note of the broad-based cooperation that has been developed in this area in the NRC framework. They also welcomed Russia's offer to participate in maritime operations in the Mediterranean Sea in the framework of Operation Active Endeavor.
Welcoming the success of the March 2004 Theatre Missile Defense (TMD) Command Post Exercise in Colorado Springs and noting the successful conclusion of the first phase of the NRC Interoperability Study on TMD, they agreed to initiate the second phase of this flagship NRC project.
Ministers reviewed progress achieved in enhancing military-to-military cooperation and the interoperability of NATO and Russian forces. They welcomed the recent establishment of a Russian Military Liaison Branch Office at SHAPE and the enhancement of the NATO Military Liaison Mission in Moscow.
Ministers reaffirmed 2003 Statement of NRC Foreign Ministers in Madrid and also reaffirmed adherence to the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe as a cornerstone of European security.
22:17 - 28.06.2004
MEETING OF NATO-RUSSIA COUNCIL HELD
Meeting of NATO-Russia Council, which was held during NATO Istanbul Summit, ended on Monday.
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said that the atmosphere of the meeting was very positive and added that Council held a more constructive meeting when compared with Rome Summit that was held two years ago.
Noting that 27 countries have convened as equal partners today,
Scheffer said that they have taken up issues including prevention of
expansion of mass destruction weapons and Afghanistan.
Scheffer said that NATO and Russia were planning to make cooperation in prevention of expansion of mass destruction weapons, practical cooperation in Afghanistan and search and rescue activities at seas. He added that Russia's participation in naval exercises of NATO was important for the joint activities which would be held in the future.
Scheffer said that there was not a consensus between NATO and Russia on every issue, adding that Russia had concerns regarding the
enlargement of NATO.
21:58 - 28.06.2004
SCHEFFER SAYS MESSAGE OF NATO SUMMIT IS THAT ALLIES STAND TOGETHER
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said on Monday that the message of the NATO summit was that the Allies stood together against the security threats and challenges of the 21st century.
Scheffer held a press conference and noted that NATO was taking action to project security and build stability where it was needed today.
''And through our continuing - indeed never-ending - transformation process, NATO will remain the indispensable instrument to defend our freedom and our security,'' Scheffer stated.
Noting that allies have agreed, in accordance with United Nations (U.N.) Security Council's resolution no: 1546, to offer NATO's assistance to the Iraqi government with the training of its security forces, Scheffer stated that they would work out the details - the who, the where and the how - in the coming days and weeks between NATO nations, and with Baghdad as well.
''But the basic message is clear. Allies are united in their full support for the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Iraq and for strengthening of freedom, democracy, human rights, rule of law and security for all the Iraqi people. By training Iraqi security forces and helping to develop their security institutions, we will bring forward the day that foreign forces are no longer required. That is a goal we all share. Thanks to the decisions taken here in Istanbul, and over the past days, NATO will help make it happen,'' Scheffer stressed.
Scheffer said that they must do everything possible to build bridges of trust and dialogue between strategically important regions of the world - including between the Euro-Atlantic community and the broader region of the Middle East.
''Istanbul is also a symbolic place for us to announce another major new initiative. It is vital, in this volatile world, that we build stronger relations between regions and between cultures. Turkey proves that this can be a success. It is a success we must build on,'' Scheffer noted.
Scheffer stated, ''allies have agreed that we deepen, and broaden, our relations with countries to the south - north Africa, Jordan and Israel, and the broader region of the Middle East.''
Stating that they would make their Mediterranean Dialogue more practical, more focused on substantial cooperation, Scheffer noted that he hoped they would see joint operations as well.
''We will also make an offer, beginning today, to open a security dialogue with interested countries of the broader region of the Middle East. Let me be clear. This is an offer, and only an offer, for a 2-way dialogue, on issues of mutual interest. For this bridge of communication to be strong, it must be built together,'' he stated.
Scheffer said, ''but I believe it will be strong. And I believe it is important. Because if we can help to break down misconceptions and build trust, that can only benefit our common security.''
''There are many other achievements of this Summit, so far. Allies have agreed to bring the SFOR mission to a successful conclusion by the end of the year,'' he noted.
Scheffer said that heads of state and government gave direction to implement a package of measures to better defend against terrorism - a threat with which this city and this country were grimly familiar.
21:57 - 28.06.2004
NATO SUPERVISION OVER MEDITERRANEAN TO BE REINFORCED
Heads of state and government of the NATO nations decided to reinforce the NATO supervision units in the Mediterranean after they took several new steps in fight against terrorism at the Istanbul summit.
Marine traffic in the Mediterranean, ships and their cargo have been supervised under fight against terrorism and in line with the NATO operation Active Endeavor that was initiated on October 6, 2001 in the Mediterranean shortly after the September 11 events.
The permanent naval units of the Alliance have been patrolling in the Mediterranean Sea and they stop and search suspicious vessels.
Partnership for Peace (PfP) countries and several countries which cooperate with the Alliance under the ''Mediterranean Dialogue'' have been contributing to this operation since last March.
Those operations are conducted by the NATO Allied Naval Forces Southern Europe (NAVSOUTH) in Naples, Italy. Turkey, Greece, Italy, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, United States and Britain are among the participating nations in the Mediterranean units where nearly 2,700 military personnel are deployed.
Heads of state and government decided to ''increase allied countries' contribution to operation Active Endeavor'' at the Istanbul Summit.
Leaders also shed green light on positive response to proposals for participation of Russia and Ukraine in those operations.
21:56 - 28.06.2004
NATO ISTANBUL SUMMIT COMMUNIQUE (5): A NEW FORMATION: ''ISTANBUL COOPERATION INITIATIVE''
The North Atlantic Council formed by heads of state and government of 26 allied countries said on Monday, ''While NATO's transformation continues, its fundamental purpose endures: to serve as an essential transatlantic forum for consultation and an effective instrument for Europe and North America to defend peace and stability, now and into the future.''
Releasing a summit communiqué, North Atlantic Council said, ''today's complex strategic environment demands a broad approach to security, comprising political, economic and military elements. We are united in our commitment to such an approach. The Alliance is conducting challenging operations in regions of strategic importance; transforming its capabilities to meet the new threats; and working ever more closely together with partner countries and other international organizations in a truly multilateral effort to address common security concerns.''
''We have today also decided to offer cooperation to the broader Middle East region by launching our 'Istanbul Cooperation Initiative'. This initiative is offered by NATO to interested countries in the region, starting with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, to foster mutually beneficial bilateral relationships and thus enhance security and stability. The initiative focuses on practical cooperation where NATO can add value, notably in the defense and security fields. This initiative is distinct from, yet takes into account and complements, other initiatives involving other international actors,'' it said.
Referring to the Mediterranean Dialogue, the summit communiqué said, ''while respecting the specificity of the Mediterranean Dialogue, the enhanced Mediterranean Dialogue and the 'Istanbul Cooperation Initiative' are complementary, progressive and individualized processes. They will be developed in a spirit of joint ownership with the countries involved. Continued consultation and active engagement will be essential to their success.''
Referring to the scheduled meetings of NATO-Russia Council and NATO-Ukraine Commission, the summit communiqué said that the Alliance would further deepen political dialogue and consultations with these countries.
''We look forward to making further progress in implementing the Rome Declaration of May 2002, working together as equal partners in areas of common interest. We encourage Ukraine to accelerate the implementation of the objectives outlined in the NATO-Ukraine Action Plan,'' it added.
(End)
21:55 - 28.06.2004
NATO ISTANBUL SUMMIT COMMUNIQUE (4): NATO'S TRANSFORMATION PROCESS TO CONTINUE
The North Atlantic Council formed by heads of state and government of 26 allied countries said on Monday that NATO's transformation process would continue.
Releasing a summit communiqué, North Atlantic Council said, ''we welcome the progress made in the transformation of the Alliance's military capabilities. This is a long-term endeavor which must continue if NATO is to be able to perform the full range of its missions in a challenging security environment and respond to its operational commitments and the threats we face today, including terrorism.''
''We reiterate our commitment to the Conventional Forces of Europe (CFE) Treaty as a cornerstone of European security, and reaffirm our attachment to the early entry into force of the Adapted Treaty,'' it said.
Welcoming the progress that was made in 2003 on withdrawal of Russian military forces from the Republic of Moldova, the summit communiqué said, ''we regret that this progress has not continued in 2004 and that the extended 31 December 2003 completion date, agreed in the framework of the OSCE, was not met. We will continue, via the OSCE, to monitor and assist in this process.''
The summit communiqué said, ''as planned, the operationally flexible NATO Response Force (NRF) will reach initial operational capability later this year.''
''In order to meet today's challenges, we need the right capabilities. NATO needs to be able to act quickly and is configured to do so. We welcomed changes to the Alliance's planning processes, making them more responsive to current and future operational requirements,'' it said.
The summit communiqué also said, ''NATO's armament activities must meet the Alliance's evolving military needs. We therefore reaffirm the importance we attach to mutually advantageous transatlantic defense industrial cooperation.''
''The recent enlargements of NATO and the European Union are a major step towards a Europe whole and free. NATO-EU relations now cover a wide range of issues of common interest relating to security, defense and crisis management, including the fight against terrorism, the development of coherent and mutually reinforcing military capabilities, and civil emergency planning,'' it added.
(to be continued)
21:55 - 28.06.2004
NATO ISTANBUL SUMMIT COMMUNIQUE (3):''WE WILL FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM''
The North Atlantic Council said on Monday, ''we strongly condemn terrorism, whatever its motivations or manifestations, and will fight it together as long as necessary.''
Releasing a summit communiqué, North Atlantic Council said, ''terrorism and the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery currently pose key threats and challenges to Alliance and international security. We are committed to continue our struggle against terrorism in all its forms, in accordance with international law provisions and UN principles.''
''Continuing terrorist acts, including in Istanbul last year and in Madrid in March of this year, have shown the acute threat which terrorism continues to pose around the world. Defense against terrorism may include activities by NATO's military forces, based on decisions by the North Atlantic Council,'' it said, stressing that NATO's activities would include acting against these terrorists and those who harbor them.
''We have accordingly agreed today an enhanced set of measures to strengthen our individual and collective contribution to the international community's fight against terrorism. These measures include improved intelligence sharing between our nations, including through our Terrorist Threat Intelligence Unit and a review of current intelligence structures at NATO Headquarters; a greater ability to respond rapidly to national requests for assistance; assistance to protect selected major events, including with NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft; a continued robust effort through our operations in the Balkans and Afghanistan to help create conditions in which terrorism cannot flourish,'' it said.
The summit communiqué added, ''the Alliance's policy of support for arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation will continue to play a major role in the achievement of the Alliance's security objectives, including preventing the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and their means of delivery. We stress the importance of all states abiding by, and fully implementing, their arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation commitments, and of strengthening existing international arms control and disarmament accords and multilateral non-proliferation and export control regimes.''
(to be continued)
21:54 - 28.06.2004
NATO ISTANBUL SUMMIT COMMUNIQUE (2): NATO TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROTECTION OF PEACE IN AFGHANISTAN
The North Atlantic Council decided to expand the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, including through several more Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) and by enhancing the support for the upcoming elections.
Releasing a summit communiqué, North Atlantic Council said, ''contributing to peace and stability in Afghanistan is NATO's key priority. NATO's leadership
of the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force demonstrates the readiness of the North Atlantic Council to decide to launch operations to ensure our common security. NATO's aim is to assist in the emergence of a secure and stable Afghanistan, with a broad-based, gender sensitive, multi-ethnic and fully representative government, integrated into the international community and cooperating with its neighbors.''
''Establishing and sustaining peace in Afghanistan is essential to the well-being of the Afghan people and to our shared struggle against terrorism. We remain committed to that cause and pledge to contribute to ISAF the forces necessary for successful completion of our mission in Afghanistan,'' it said.
The summit communiqué said, ''in consultation with the Afghan authorities, we will continue to expand ISAF in stages throughout Afghanistan, through the establishment by lead nations of additional Provincial Reconstruction Teams. We will continue to coordinate and cooperate with Operation Enduring Freedom of the United States, as appropriate. The successful conduct of nation-wide elections will be a
crucial milestone in the democratic development and peaceful evolution of Afghanistan.''
Referring to the Balkans, the summit communiqué said, ''the security environment in the strategically important region of the Balkans is stable but remains fragile. We will remain committed until peace and security are firmly established and the progressive integration of all Balkan countries into Euro-Atlantic structures is achieved.''
The summit communiqué said, ''as the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has evolved positively, we have decided to conclude the Alliance's successful SFOR operation by the end of this year. NATO's long-term political commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina remains unchanged.''
''NATO's maritime surveillance and escort operation, Operation Active Endeavor, demonstrates the Alliance's resolve and ability to respond to terrorism. In March of this year, the operation was extended to the whole of the Mediterranean. We welcome
the offers of contributory support by Russia and Ukraine and have invited both countries to discuss the modalities of their participation. In reviewing Operation Active Endeavor's mission, NATO may consider addressing, in accordance with international law, the risk of terrorist-related trafficking in, or use of, nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, their means of delivery and related materials,'' it
added.
(To be continued)
21:53 - 28.06.2004
NATO ISTANBUL SUMMIT COMMUNIQUE (1): ''WE REAFFIRMED ENDURING VALUE OF TRANSATLANTIC LINK''
The North Atlantic Council formed by heads of state and government of 26 allied countries reaffirmed today the enduring value of the transatlantic link and of NATO on the first day of the 17th NATO Summit in Istanbul.
Releasing a summit communiqué, the North Atlantic Council highlighted value of NATO ''as the basis for our collective defense and the essential forum for security consultation between Europe and North America''.
Recalling that ''NATO agreed to transform the Alliance with new members, new capabilities and new relationship'' the summit communiqué said, ''today at our Istanbul Summit, we have given further shape and direction to this transformation in order to adapt NATO's structures, procedures and capabilities to 21st century challenges. We underscore that these efforts should not be perceived as a threat by any country or organization.''
''We decided to expand the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, including through several more Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) and by enhancing our support for the upcoming elections,'' it said.
Noting that it was agreed to conclude the Alliance's successful SFOR operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and welcomed the readiness of the European Union (EU) for a takeover, the summit communiqué said, ''we confirmed that a robust KFOR presence remains essential to further enhance security and promote the political process in Kosovo.''
''We reaffirmed that NATO's door remains open to new members, and encouraged Albania, Croatia and Macedonia to continue the reforms necessary to progress towards NATO membership,'' it said.
''We decided to enhance our Mediterranean Dialogue and to offer cooperation to the broader Middle East region through the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative,'' it added.
(To be continued)
21:52 - 28.06.2004
NATO DOES NOT SET A DATE FOR ACCESSION OF ALBANIA, CROATIA AND MACEDONIA
Heads of State and Government of NATO disappointed Albania, Croatia and Macedonia by not setting a date for their accession to the Alliance.
NATO fulfilled the most comprehensive and important expansion this year and increased its number of members from 19 to 26.
As NATO says ''welcome'' to the heads of state and government of seven new members Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, only expressed the pleasure over success of open door policy regarding the other candidates.
The leaders expressed pleasure over the steps taken by Albania, Croatia and Macedonia to participate NATO, and called on those countries to exert further efforts.
Albania, Croatia and Macedonia insistently expressed their expectations for a date to be set for their membership to NATO during Istanbul Summit.
Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia who convened under the name of ''Adriatic Group'' aiming to adjust to the criteria put forth by NATO, made a joint statement prior to the summit and announced their desire to access to NATO in 2007.
21:51 - 28.06.2004
ISTANBUL DECLARATION SAYS NATO MEMBER COUNTRIES AIMED TO RENEW COMMITMENT TO COLLECTIVE DEFENSE
The Istanbul Declaration, issued at the ongoing NATO Heads of State and Government Summit on Monday, said the heads of state and government of the member countries of the Alliance, meet today in Istanbul to renew their commitment to collective defense, and to address together NATO's response to
the security challenges they face at the beginning of the 21st century.
The North Atlantic Council, comprised of heads of state and government of 26 NATO member countries, welcomed accession of seven new members to NATO in the Istanbul Declaration issued under the title ''Our Security in a New Era.''
The Declaration said, ''we celebrate NATO's critical role in fostering the spread of freedom throughout Europe. Today, we welcome seven new members. Their participation in this summit demonstrates that we remain committed to a Europe wholly free and at peace. We pledge again that our Alliance remains open to all European democracies, regardless of geography, willing and able to meet the membership
responsibilities and whose inclusion would enhance overall security and stability in Europe.''
''Collective defense remains the core purpose of the Alliance. But the threats that NATO faces have changed substantially. We remain committed to address vigorously the threats facing our Alliance, taking into account that they emanate from a far wider area than in the past,'' noted the declaration.
The declaration continued, ''they include terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. North America and Europe face these threats together. NATO is engaged in fighting terrorism, strengthening security and building stability in many regions in the world. Now as ever, unity within the Alliance is essential, and the principle of the indivisibility of Allied security is fundamental. We are determined to address effectively the threats to our territory, forces and populations from wherever they may come.''
''The Alliance is adapting to meet these security challenges through its military operations and activities, its engagement with partners and its continued transformation of military capabilities,'' the declaration noted.
As regards Afghanistan, the declaration said ''today, we have approved a major expansion of NATO's role in Afghanistan in support of the Afghan authorities. We will commit the resources needed to make this mission a success.''
Regarding Iraq issue, ''NATO is also leading military operations in the Balkans and the Mediterranean, and supporting Poland's leadership of the Multinational Division in Iraq . We have also issued a separate statement on Iraq,'' noted the declaration.
Regarding Bosnia, the declaration said, ''The decision to end NATO's nine year mission in Bosnia marks its success in ending the war and keeping the peace in that country. We welcome the decision of the European Union to mount a new operation in Bosnia, and look forward to continued cooperation.''
The Istanbul Declaration said, ''NATO continues to maintain closer cooperation on common security concerns with the European Union and with European states, including Russia, Ukraine and the states of Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as with states of the Mediterranean and the Broader Middle East.''
''NATO is transforming its military capabilities in order to adapt to the changing strategic environment. The works on new command structure, the NATO Response Force, and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Deference battalion are progressing,'' said the declaration.
The declaration added, ''together, they give NATO much stronger and faster military capabilities. But transformation is a process, not an event. We are therefore committed to continued transformation and to further strengthen our operational capabilities so that our forces are more deployable and usable.''
''To this end, we invite the Secretary General and the North Atlantic Council to take the steps necessary to ensure that the transformation process is fully implemented, and to report to us at the next NATO Summit,'' noted the declaration.
''The North Atlantic Alliance has confronted challenge and change throughout its history, yet has always proved resilient in adapting to new situations. As we face a new era of danger and hope, NATO remains our vital multilateral bridge across the Atlantic, complementing a common political approach with its military capabilities'', the declaration said.
The declaration ended as ''we renew our commitment to consult, deliberate, and act together as Allies. We are confident that NATO will remain our indispensable instrument in defending our freedom and security.''
21:51 - 28.06.2004
NATO MEMBERS REACH FULL CONSENSUS ON JOINT FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM
Heads of state and government of NATO member countries reached full consensus on joint fight against terrorism and decided to take new measures in NATO Istanbul Summit on Monday.
Leaders say that terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction were ''biggest threats'' against NATO and international community and shed green light to using ''advanced technology'' to counter these threats.
NATO sources say that the United States and European members of NATO have agreed to take concrete measures.
While leaders are working on ''share of intelligence'', they have decided to review structure of intelligence units under NATO's roof and adapt them to the daily conditions.
Under Istanbul resolutions, capabilities of NATO will be increased and thus, NATO can quickly respond to any of its member who ask for support to fight against terrorism.
Member countries will cooperate in producing methods to protect themselves from nuclear, biological, radiological and chemical weapons of mass destruction.
NATO will also work to enhance cooperation with non-NATO countries and EU to counter terrorism.
16:45 - 28.06.2004
NUMBER OF NATO TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN TO BE 10,000
Heads of state and government of the nations of the Atlantic Alliance, meeting in Istanbul, decided to meet necessary needs for establishment of Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Afghanistan.
NATO high ranking officials said a decision has been taken to increase NATO troops in International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from 6500 to 10,000.
Following the expansion of ISAF's mandate to cover areas beyond Kabul, plans have been approved to extend ISAF's presence in the form of Provincial Reconstruction Teams, starting in the north and then spreading to the west of Afghanistan.
High level officials said, ''NATO fulfills its commitments in Afghanistan,'' stating that Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer would convey the decisions to Afghani Head of State Hamid Karzai.
16:43 - 28.06.2004
U.S. PRESIDENT WELCOMES POWER HANDOVER IN IRAQ
U.S. President George Bush welcomed on Monday the early transfer of sovereignty to Iraqi people.
A high-level U.S. official told reporters that violence would not end as sovereignty was transferred to the new Iraqi government. Meanwhile the same U.S. official said that power handover in Iraq two days ahead of the schedule ''spoilt plans of terrorists who wanted to cause disorder during the transfer of sovereignty.''
The U.S. official stated that the power handover in Iraq strengthened new Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad al-Alawi's hand.
The same official denied the allegations that Bush wanted to invite al-Alawi to NATO Istanbul summit, but Iraq was represented by defense and foreign ministers since some NATO members objected to Bush's proposal.
Noting that the United States expected that violence would continue in Iraq after the power transfer, the same U.S. official stressed that al-Alawi showed determination to counter terrorism.
Al-Alawi is expected to take some measures against possible protestors and terrorist attacks, including imposing a curfew.
Americans said that sovereignty was transferred to Iraqi people two days ahead of the schedule since Iraq was ready for this transfer and since an atmosphere of security had been ensured in Iraq.
The Iraqi government is expected to cooperate with the multi-national force to ensure security.
Sources say that former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, currently under arrest, will be handed over to the new Iraqi government, but the date and venue of the hand over are not immediately clear.
The high-level U.S. official said that U.S. top administrator in Iraq Paul Bremer's mission had formally ended, adding that the United States was expected to send a new ambassador to Iraq as soon as possible.
16:41 - 28.06.2004
TURKEY'S POSITIVE APPROACH TOWARDS TRAINING IRAQI SECURITY FORCES
Turkey is approaching positively towards training Iraqi police, sources said on Monday.
NATO members have offered assistance to Iraq for the training of its security forces during the ongoing heads of state and government summit in Istanbul while whether this training will be carried out in Iraq or in another country is not clear yet.
Turkish diplomatic sources quoted NATO members as saying at the ongoing sessions of the summit that Iraqi security forces could be trained both in Iraq and in another country.
''Turkey's approach is positive towards training Iraqi police as a NATO member in case the Alliance makes such a decision'', diplomatic sources say, adding that Turkey may train Iraqi police forces in its territory, and not the Iraqi troops.
16:41 - 28.06.2004
ISTANBUL DECLARATION SAYS ALLIED SECURITY IS FUNDAMENTAL
The Istanbul Declaration, issued at the ongoing NATO Heads of State and Government Summit on Monday, said that Allied security was fundamental.
The North Atlantic Council, comprised of heads of state and government of 26 NATO member countries, issued the Istanbul Declaration under the title ''Our Security in a New Era.''
The Declaration said that NATO was still determined to address effectively the threats to their territory, forces and populations from wherever they might come, and approved a major expansion of NATO's role in Afghanistan.
The Istanbul Declaration pointed out that the threats that NATO faced had changed substantially, and said that those threats emanated from a far wider area than in the past and stressed NATO's determination to address effectively the threats.
''Today, we have approved a major expansion of NATO's role in Afghanistan in support of the Afghan authorities. We will commit the resources needed to make this mission a success,'' the Istanbul Declaration said.
The Istanbul Declaration said that ''NATO was transforming its military capabilities in order to adapt to the changing strategic environment'', and expressed ''its commitment to continued transformation and to further strengthen its operational capabilities and procedures so that our forces are more deployable and usable''.
14:56 - 28.06.2004
NATO OFFERS FULL COOPERATION TO IRAQI GOVERNMENT
NATO heads of state and government on Monday issued Statement on Iraq and offered full cooperation to Iraqi new, sovereign and interim government.
The statement said, ''we, the 26 Heads of State and Government of the nations of the Atlantic Alliance, meeting in Istanbul, declare our full support for the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Iraq and for strengthening of freedom, democracy, human rights, rule of law and security for all the Iraqi people.''
''We welcome the unanimous adoption of Security Council Resolution 1546 under Chapter 7 of the Charter of the United Nations as an important step towards Iraq's political transition to democratic government. We pledge our full support for the effective implementation of UNSCR 1546,'' the statement said.
''We are united in our support for the Iraqi people and offer full cooperation to the new sovereign Interim Government as it seeks to strengthen internal security and prepare the way to national elections in 2005,'' the statement noted.
The statement said, ''we deplore and call for an immediate end to all terrorist attacks in Iraq. Terrorist activities in and from Iraq also threaten the security of its neighbors and the region as a whole,'' noting that, ''we continue to support Poland in its leadership of the multinational division in south central Iraq. We also acknowledge the efforts of nations, including many NATO Allies, in the Multinational Force for Iraq, which is present in Iraq at the request of the Iraqi government and in accordance with UNSCR 1546. We fully support the Multinational Force in its mission to help restore and maintain security, including protection of the United Nations presence, under its mandate from the Security Council.''
In response to the request of the Iraqi Interim Government, and in accordance with Resolution 1546 which requests international and regional organizations to contribute assistance to the Multinational Force, we have decided today to offer NATO's assistance to the government of Iraq with the training of its security forces. We therefore also encourage nations to contribute to the training of the Iraqi armed forces, the statement said.
It said, ''we have asked the North Atlantic Council to develop on an urgent basis the modalities to implement this decision with the Iraqi interim Government.''
''We have also asked the North Atlantic Council to consider as a matter of urgency and on the basis of a report by the Secretary General, further proposals to support the nascent Iraqi security institutions in response to the request of the Iraqi Interim Government and in accordance with UNSCR 1546,'' the statement pointed out.
14:55 - 28.06.2004
NATO TO OFFER ASSISTANCE TO IRAQ FOR TRAINING SECURITY FORCES
NATO heads of state and government decided on Monday to offer assistance to Iraq for the training of its security forces.
The North Atlantic Council comprised of heads of state and government of 26 NATO member countries said in the ''Iraq Declaration'', released during NATO Istanbul Summit, extends its support and assistance to Iraq in the field of restoration of security.
The training of Iraqi armed forces will be carried out under the UN resolution no 1546.
14:54 - 28.06.2004
TURKISH POLICE DETAIN 18 GREENPEACE MEMBERS IN NATO PROTEST IN ISTANBUL
Turkish police detained on Monday 18 Greenpeace members in NATO protest in Istanbul, Turkey.
A group of Greenpeace members hung a banner writing ''Nukes out of NATO'' on the Bogazici Bridge, chained themselves on iron bars of the bridge and made a press statement to protest NATO.
Greenpeace member Ozgur Gurbuz responsible for energy campaign, member Nicky Davies responsible for international disarmament campaign and member William Peden responsible for nuclear disarmament campaign were among the detainees.
Turkish police also detained other five people in a protest of a group of Turkish Free Democracy Party (ODP) at Taksim Square.
Earlier, 15 people were injured in clashes between security forces and radical groups. These people, including five policemen, were taken to a hospital.
Istanbul Police Chief Celalettin Cerrah announced that 26 policemen were injured in NATO protests today.
NATO Heads of State and Government Summit has opened earlier in the day. World leaders including U.S. President George Bush, French President Jacques Chirac, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and British Prime Minister Tony Blair are attending the summit. It will close on Tuesday.
14:53 - 28.06.2004
PRESIDENT SEZER: ''UNITY OF 26 COUNTRIES LIGHTENS WHOLE WORLD FOR FUTURE''
Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said on Monday, ''unity of 26 countries that have linked up for the same values under the roof of NATO, lightens the whole world for future.''
Welcoming the guest heads of state and government of the allied countries at the NATO Istanbul Summit, President Sezer noted, ''I am sure that the summit will always be remembered as one of the turning points of NATO and of the integration process in Europe.''
Expressing his profound proud and pleasure with hosting the 17th NATO Summit, President Sezer welcomed all participants.
''NATO's expansion has reached a great dimension with the participation of seven new countries. Their participation to NATO has brought us one step closer to our target of an integrated Europe in peace and stability,'' he said.
President Sezer noted, ''organization of such a summit in Istanbul having a central position in Euro-Atlantic region due to its geographical position and its being the cradle of different cultures, religions and civilizations for centuries, is a great and meaningful chance of the history. The unity of 26 countries that have linked up for the same values under the roof of NATO lightens the whole world for future. Besides its being a political and military alliance, NATO is also an organization of common values.''
''NATO is considered the most successful defense alliance of the world history. We have an endless belief that NATO will achieve more success in the coming periods with the power and confidence of its new allies,'' he said.
President Sezer noted, ''Turkey is proud of being a member of NATO for more than 50 years. NATO's goals and interests will have an important place in Turkey's foreign and security policies. We are aware of that policies and initiatives of Turkey having a central position in the international security environment, have been gaining an increasing importance in the international community under the light of new and multilateral threats and opportunities.''
''Turkey will maintain its effective supports to NATO's joint vision,'' President Sezer added.
11:21 - 28.06.2004
NATO SECRETARY GENERAL SAYS NATO IS MORE DETERMINED
NATO not only changed its structure in the last 18 months but also it became more determined, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said on Monday.
Addressing the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit in Istanbul, de Hoop Scheffer said that this was the first NATO summit following the recent enlargement of the Alliance and welcomed the seven new members.
Scheffer said, ''an Alliance that started out 55 years ago with twelve member nations now has grown to more than twice that number, illustrating the enduring value of the transatlantic link. 26 nations are now determined to defend our values and to pass them on to future generations. 26 Allies are also joined in a commitment to defend each others' security and territorial integrity. Our seven new members have shown consistently that they are ready for this commitment. They, in turn, can count on the solidarity of the other Allies.''
''Throughout its 55-year history, NATO has performed a bridging role as well. And we will reaffirm that role, and enhance it, at our meeting here today. We will
reinforce the vital transatlantic link that our Alliance embodies. We will enhance our partnership with countries across Europe and into Central Asia. And we will build new bridges to the Mediterranean and the Middle East,'' Scheffer said.
Scheffer went on saying, ''the logo of our Istanbul Summit depicts a bridge, and
this is no coincidence. Through the centuries, Istanbul has been a real bridge - not just between continents, but also between cultures, religions and civilizations.''
''We have a busy agenda for our Summit. It demonstrates just how central NATO has become to ensuring our common security. And it reflects the reality of
transatlantic cooperation in NATO today: America and Europe united in a strong Alliance - committed to defend and to promote our common values and shared
interests, in the Euro-Atlantic area and beyond,'' Scheffer added.
French President Jacques Chirac said that NATO Istanbul summit was really a turning point while German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said that it was possible to turn Europe into a continent of peace and stability since so many leaders gathered in Istanbul.
Schroeder stated that leaders would try to set a common strategy and policy in Istanbul to fight against terrorism.
On Turkey's European Union (EU) membership process, Schroeder said that the EU should keep its promises to Turkey since Turkey had met preconditions to start full membership negotiations.
DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST NATO
Police intervened and detained many people who were holding demonstrations in Mecidiyekoy district of Istanbul to protest NATO Summit.
The group unfurled banners and later started sit-in protest and chanted slogans when police surrounded them.
Police called on the group to disperse but the demonstrators refused.
Police later detained some of the demonstrators.
11:20 - 28.06.2004
ERDOGAN MEETS WITH FRIST
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan received on Sunday Senator William H. Frist, majority leader of the U.S. Senate.
At the meeting, Erdogan underlined once again Turkey's sensitivity especially over terrorist organization PKK/Kongra-gel and insisted on the condition of Turkmens living in Iraq.
Frist said he would discuss in detail the information he received from Erdogan both with U.S. President George Bush and his colleagues in the U.S. Senate, and he would convey to them Turkey's sensitivities, expectations and concerns.
11:10 - 28.06.2004
NATO ISTANBUL SUMMIT STARTS
The 17th NATO Summit started in Istanbul on Monday.
Presidents, prime ministers, ministers, as well as civilian and military officials of 26 allied countries and 20 other NATO partner countries are attending the two-day summit.
The summit started with the opening remarks of NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.
Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer will also make a welcoming address as the head of the host country.
During the opening session of the summit, the senior statesman of France will formally welcome new NATO allies, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, on behalf of the Allies.
Following the opening session, heads of state and government, foreign ministers and defense ministers will meet at three separate working lunches.
NATO-Russia Council will convene at the level of foreign ministers later in the day.
The first day of the summit will end with a banquet at the Topkapi Palace.
The second day will start tomorrow with the ''NATO-Ukraine Commission'' meeting at the level of heads of state and government.
Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council will also convene tomorrow.
At the end of the summit leaders will held a news conference.
Developments registered since NATO Prague Summit in 2002, new and future missions of the Alliance, and regional issues such as Afghanistan and Iraq will be high on agenda of the 17th NATO Summit.
Fight against terrorism, efforts to provide stability in the Balkans, modernization of NATO force structures, broadening of cooperation with non-allied
partners are among other issues to be taken up at the summit.
NATO pledged to extend support to security in Afghanistan during the planned elections in September or October. NATO also plans to cover northern and western regions of Afghanistan by setting up local units.
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer announced during the NATO Istanbul Summit that five such teams would be formed, and called on the allied countries to contribute to the formation of the teams. The nature of these contributions is expected to be clarified during the Istanbul Summit.
President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan and NATO Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan Hikmet Cetin are among the participants of the summit. Cetin's tenure is expected to be extended during the summit.
Iraq is one of the most ''sensitive and controversial'' issues to be discussed in Istanbul.
On the other hand NATO heads of state and government will make a general assessment prior to June 30 when the administration in Iraq will be handed over to the sovereign local government.
During the Istanbul Summit, NATO is expected to announce its support to the new Iraqi government.
Sources said that 16 allied countries had soldiers in Iraq, adding that steps were expected to be taken at the summit to put all activities about training of Iraqi police and soldiers under the umbrella of NATO.
A separate joint declaration will be released at the end of the summit about Iraq.
NATO is also expected to adopt a document about Central Asia and Caucasus to enhance its cooperation with regional countries.
Under a process initiated in 1994 NATO has broadened its dialogue with Mediterranean countries such as Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Mauritania, Jordan and Israel. During the Istanbul Summit, NATO will also start an initiative to
increase its relationship with Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait) under the heading of ''Istanbul Initiative for Cooperation''.
No EU-NATO Summit is scheduled during the Istanbul summit, it was learned. Meanwhile EU High Commissioner for Foreign Policy and Defense, Javier Solana, will attend the summit.
NATO is expected to hand over its peace-keeping mission in Kosovo to EU by the end of the year. NATO Secretary General de Hoop Scheffer and Solana will hold a joint news conference to this end.
The final communiqué of the summit is expected to include issues such as international cooperation against terrorism, Afghanistan, the Balkans, developments in defense capabilities, partnership, relations with Russia and Ukraine and combat against weapons of mass destruction.
11:09 - 28.06.2004
-NATO SECRETARY GENERAL ADDRESSES YOUTHS IN ISTANBUL
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said on Sunday that values that NATO represented needed to be promoted and protected, stating there was need to work day and night to protect values.
Scheffer delivered a speech at the Youth Summit organized by Pan-Atlantic Student Community in Istanbul.
Stating that states comprised of NATO acted within the scope of common values, Scheffer noted that after Cold War ended, whole Europe and many countries defended similar values.
Scheffer noted that security, freedom and prosperity were not humanity's natural state. He stressed that these achievements had to be worked for day in and day out.
Noting that terrorist attacks in many cities including Istanbul targeted at countries, human beings and also common values, Scheffer stated that NATO had an important role in protection of common values.
Scheffer stated that NATO was doing its part to create a better future for Afghanistan.
He stated that the Alliance should establish sounder relations with its neighboring countries.
17:23 - 27.06.2004
-NATO SECRETARY GENERAL GRANTS NATO SCIENCE PRIZE TO TURKISH DEFENSE MINISTER
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer granted NATO Science Prize to Turkish National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul on Sunday.
NATO's Science Committee granted the NATO Science Prize to three Turkish universities including Bogazici University, Middle East Technical University (METU) and Istanbul Technical University, for their research on alleviating the consequences of earthquakes.
Speaking in the ceremony, de Hoop Scheffer said that NATO member countries felt deep sorrow over the earthquakes which hit Turkey in 1999.
De Hoop Scheffer said that NATO launched four projects to help its ally and expressed pleasure that they had now produced the results.
''I very much hope that they will be of use to Turkish decision makers and local authorities,'' de Hoop Scheffer noted.
De Hoop Scheffer added, ''I salute the researches from these three universities who are present here today. Your research could save the lives of many. And this is probably the noblest contribution any scientist can make to security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.''
Gonul said that Turkey would continue to actively take part in the NATO's Science Committee.
The NATO Program for Security through Science was established to bring together scientists throughout the Euro-Atlantic region to build a scientific community dedicated to security, stability and solidarity. The program offers support for collaboration in projects in security-related areas such as defense against terrorism. But it also focuses on projects dealing with deadly natural disasters, like earthquakes, from which this country suffered many times in the past.
15:41 - 27.06.2004
-NATO SECRETARY GENERAL SAYS NATO NEEDS TRANSFORMATION
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said on Sunday that NATO needed transformation in regard to capacity and political understanding. Scheffer noted that but it was not possible to complete significant transformation in a very short time.
NATO Response Force (NRF) change of command ceremony was held in Istanbul.
Scheffer said that there was need for modern military capacities to carry out modern military operations, noting that NATO was going through reconstruction and transition period.
De Hoop Scheffer stressed that NRF was at the center of the Alliance's military transformation.
Replying to a question, Scheffer said that in which framework NATO would act in Iraq and Afghanistan would be determined in the NATO Summit in Istanbul. He stressed that NATO had a full political will, stating that NATO would fulfill commitments it made.
15:12 - 27.06.2004
-CEREMONY HELD IN ISTANBUL FOR NRF CHANGE OF COMMAND
NATO Response Force (NRF) change of command ceremony was held in Istanbul on Sunday.
NATO Allied Forces North (AFNORTH) handed over the NRF command to NATO Allied Forces South (AFSOUTH) in the ceremony while the command of land forces was transferred from Turkey to Italy and the command of naval forces from Spain to Britain.
Turkish Chief of General Staff Hilmi Ozkok, in the ceremony, stressed importance of NATO Istanbul summit and said that terrorism posed a threat against security and stability.
Ozkok called on countries to increase joint fight against terrorism.
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer stressed importance of full operational capability of the force, and said that he was confident for the future.
Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR) U.S. General James Jones said that NRF would be full operation in 2006 and thanked Turkey for its contributions.
NRF mission started last year with 6 thousand soldiers.
In case of any crisis, NRF is capable of taking action within 15 to 30 days.
NRF was discussed at NATO Prague Summit. Participants had decided to form a force comprised of about three brigades and 21 thousand soldiers.
14:25 - 27.06.2004
-NATO SECRETARY GENERAL SAYS NATO ISTANBUL SUMMIT HELD IN AN IMPORTANT PERIOD
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said on Sunday that NATO Heads of State and Government Summit was being held in a very important period.
De Hoop Scheffer told a press conference that he could not comment on Turkey's possible role in democratization of the Middle East.
Asked if Turkey could contribute to education and training efforts in Iraq, de Hoop Scheffer said that he met with Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul but refrained from replying to the question.
De Hoop Scheffer noted that Turkey had a very important role and that role would continue in the future.
Refraining from commenting on possible contributions of the Turkish government, de Hoop Scheffer said that he did not know what kind of a decision the Turkish government would make.
Asked if the European Union (EU) would undertake a complementary role in case NATO did not undertake the role of training Iraqi security units, de Hoop Scheffer said that he discussed the issue with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana but the EU did not exactly know the answer of the question.
De Hoop Scheffer said that the Iraqi government was trying to coordinate efforts on its own but expressed belief that the Iraqi government should ask for assistance of other countries.
The NATO Heads of State and Government Summit will take place in Istanbul between June 28 and 29.
14:23 - 27.06.2004
-SCHEFFER SAYS THERE IS A NEW MOMENTUM IN TRANSATLANTIC SECURITY COOPERATION
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer explained on Sunday his views on Iraqi interim government's demand for military training, Afghanistan, new transatlantic security cooperation and a new NATO.
Scheffer held a news conference after delivering a speech at the conference, ''NATO At a New Crossroads'' jointly organized by Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) and U.S. think-tank organization German Marshall Fund.
Stating that last year was a tough year for transatlantic relations and for the Alliance, Scheffer recalled that the controversy over Iraq pitted European countries against each other. He noted that it created major frictions across the Atlantic and it provoked many pundits to dust off every conceivable stereotype about the ''irreconcilable differences'' between America and Europe.
There was a new momentum in transatlantic security cooperation, Scheffer stated and noted that there was a reappraisal of NATO as the major instrument for that cooperation.
Scheffer listed components of new transatlantic security cooperation. He stressed that NATO was ready to act outside of Europe and noted that new military equipment should be further improved for fulfillment of changing duties of NATO. Scheffer added that NATO should act in cooperation with the European Union (EU) in security.
14:23 - 27.06.2004
-ADMIRAL JOHNSON: ''OPERATION ACTIVE ENDEAVOR HAD AN IMPORTANT IMPACT''
NATO Naples-based Joint Force Commander Admiral Gregory Johnson said that the Operation Active Endeavor, initiated in 2001, had an important impact in the Mediterranean.
Together with NATO Naval Forces Southern Europe Commander Admiral Sanfelice di Monteforte, Admiral Johnson briefed press members on Operation Active Endeavor aboard the Salih Reis ship of the Turkish Naval Forces, one of the five NATO ships anchored in Istanbul on the occasion of NATO Istanbul Summit between June 28 and 29,2004.
Noting that Article 5 of the NATO Constitutional Washington Treaty was activated for the first time in 2001 and that Operation Active Endeavor was initiated within this framework, Admiral Johnson said that the operation had an important impact on fight against terrorism and illegal immigration in the last three years.
Pointing out that the allied countries would be aware of importance of the operation more in the course of time and would make more contributions to the operation, Admiral Johnson told reporters that their most significant expectation was providing of a rapid and influential cooperation in intelligence flow in the operation area.
Stressing that NATO had been acting in the Operation Active Endeavor with nearly 5 thousand vessels, Admiral Johnson said upon a question that they did not have any idea on duration of the operation, adding that he thought that the operation would continue taking into consideration the new threats of the 21st century.
Admiral Johnson said that expansion of operation area and responsibilities of the Operation Active Endeavor was not planned, but efforts had been under way to make the operation more effective.
When asked whether or not any act of terrorism was prevented directly during the operation, Vice Admiral di Monteforte said, ''you cannot judge a person as terrorist unless he blows up a place.'' He said that they had a deterrent and indirect effect in fight against terrorism.
Di Monteforte said that illegal migration in the Mediterranean reduced by 50 percent in the first year of the operation.
Operation Active Endeavor has evolved out of NATO's immediate response to the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001. As the Alliance has refined its counter-terrorism role in the intervening years, the operation's mandate has been regularly reviewed and its remit extended.
In March 2003, Operation Active Endeavor was expanded to include providing escorts through the Straits of Gibraltar to non-military ships from the Alliance member countries. In April 2003, NATO further expanded the mission and began systematically boarding suspect ships. In March 2004, as a result of the success of Operation Active Endeavor in the Eastern Mediterranean, NATO extended its remit to the whole of the Mediterranean.
13:30 - 27.06.2004
-SCHEFFER EXPRESSES HIS BELIEF ALAWI'S LETTER WILL BE RESPONDED POSITIVELY
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said on Sunday that he fully believed that interim Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad al-Alawi's letter in which he demanded military training and equipment would be responded positively in the NATO Summit that would start in Istanbul on Monday.
Scheffer delivered a speech at the conference, ''NATO At a New Crossroads'' jointly organized by Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) and U.S. think-tank organization German Marshall Fund.
Stating that ambassadors reached consensus on the letter of Alawi in Brussels two days ago, Scheffer said that he fully believed that the letter of Alawi would be responded positively.
Scheffer stressed the importance of Afghanistan for reliability of NATO. Scheffer asked for support for election process in Afghanistan.
In regard to the process of change under NATO, Scheffer said that old nostalgic Atlanticism was dead. He added that there was a new Atlanticism for the 21st century.
13:01 - 27.06.2004
-NATO SENIOR CIVILIAN REPRESENTATIVE IN AFGHANISTAN SAYS NATO HAS NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE THAN BEING SUCCESSFUL IN AFGHANISTAN
NATO Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan Hikmet Cetin said on Sunday that NATO had no other alternative than being successful in Afghanistan.
Speaking at a panel discussion on the role of NATO in Afghanistan held as a part of the conference ''NATO At a New Crossroads'' jointly organized by Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) and U.S. think-tank organization German Marshall Fund, Cetin said that a peaceful and stable country could be ensured with the support of NATO and international community. He noted that NATO's wish to increase provincial reconstruction teams should be considered within this framework.
Cetin expressed hope that NATO would take a positive decision on the matter at its Istanbul summit.
Elections would be held in Afghanistan in a free atmosphere for the first time, Cetin stated.
Cetin said that 20 percent of Afghan parliament was comprised of women and Afghan economy grew by 25 percent.
Noting that the number of girl students had risen in Afghanistan, Cetin said that 3 million Afghan refugees had returned to their countries.
Cetin recalled that there was need for support of the international community to eliminate deficiencies left in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan would join ''family of modern nations'' again after its reconstruction ended, Cetin said and stated that it would show NATO's success in the country.
''If we can't beat terrorism, terrorism will search for new means to defeat us,'' Cetin said.
Cetin added that Afghan people could trust NATO and their friends.
Later, Cetin told A.A correspondent that international organizations should continue to support Afghanistan, and said that Afghanistan was a ''field of test'' today.
13:01 - 27.06.2004
-SACEUR EXPECTS NATO MEMBERS TO SHED GREEN LIGHT TO ADDITIONAL TROOPS TO AFGHANISTAN
Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR) U.S. General James Jones said that he hoped that Alliance heads of state and government would shed green light to dispatch of additional 2000 soldiers to Afghanistan before elections to be held in September during the NATO Summit to be held in Istanbul on June 28 and 29.
Jones who spoke to reporters at Kabul ahead of NATO Summit in Istanbul said that he believed that promise on NATO's expansion to regions excluding Kabul by expanding mandate of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan would be kept. Jones stated that they hoped that determined steps would be taken within the scope of the NATO Summit to fulfill duty of strengthening ISAF.
Gen. Jones noted that if necessary decisions were taken in the summit in Istanbul, additional troops could be sent to ISAF within 30 days.
Gen. Jones gave a message that he expected heads of state and government in the summit in Istanbul to take necessary steps for charging of at least five provincial construction teams in the north of Afghanistan.
11:58 - 27.06.2004
-UNIVERSITY STUDENTS MEET WITH NATO LEADERS ON FUTURE OF NORTH ATLANTIC ALLIANCE
Students were discussing NATO's future at the Istanbul Pan-Atlantic Student Summit (I-PASS), organized in parallel to the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit to start in Istanbul on Monday, sources said on Sunday.
More than 190 university students from 37 Alliance and Partnership for Peace (PfP) countries will meet with Alliance leaders to discuss the future of NATO and the challenges facing the transatlantic partnership at the conference held by the American Atlantic Council and the Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA).
Participating university students are expected to come to the conference hall on Monday, the first day of the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit, and listen to speakers including Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.
Thirty-seven countries, including Turkey, the United States, France, German, Britain, Spain, Russia, Greece and some Balkan countries are being represented in the student summit.
NATO Secretary General Scheffer is expected to address I-PASS participants later on Sunday.
10:44 - 27.06.2004
NATO SECRETARY GENERAL VISITS TCG SALIH REIS OF TURKISH NAVAL FORCES
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said on Saturday that allegations saying that the hidden agenda of the 17th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit in Istanbul was Greater Middle East Initiative were not correct.
De Hoop Scheffer visited TCG Salih Reis, one of five NATO navy ships anchored at Istanbul harbor on the occasion of the NATO Summit in Istanbul to be held between June 28 and 29, 2004.
Replying to questions of reporters, de Hoop Scheffer said that he boarded a Turkish ship for the first time.
De Hoop Scheffer stressed that NATO had been exerting significant efforts against terrorism.
Describing Istanbul as a bridge between the continents, de Hoop Scheffer said that it would be an interesting and successful summit.
Upon a question, de Hoop Scheffer told reporters that NATO's agenda was well-known by everyone, denying allegations saying that the hidden agenda of the 17th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit in Istanbul was Greater Middle East Initiative.
Noting that NATO wanted to strengthen Mediterranean Dialogue, de Hoop Scheffer said that dialogue might be established with the Gulf countries who were giving positive signals recently.
When asked whether or not he expected that participants would make a decision at NATO Istanbul Summit about presence of NATO in Iraq, de Hoop Scheffer said that NATO ambassadors in Brussels made a decision yesterday about training of Iraqi security forces by NATO in line with a letter of the Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad al-Alawi. He added that they expected NATO heads of state and government to ratify that decision.
Upon a question about harsh reactions to likely presence of NATO in Iraq, de Hoop Scheffer said that NATO would make such a decision in line with the resolution of the United Nations Security Council no: 1546, adding that they responded to the letter of a sovereign and legitimate government.
There are five ships of Turkey, Greece, Romania, Spain and Bulgaria at Istanbul harbor for the summit.
09:53 - 27.06.2004
U.S. PRESIDENT IN ANKARA
U.S. President George Bush arrived in Turkish capital of Ankara on Saturday to have official meetings.
U.S. President Bush and his wife Laura Bush are accompanied by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and his National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.
Security measures have been tightened at Ankara's Esenboga Airport.
The U.S. delegation accompanying Bush is comprised of 600 people.
U.S. President Bush did not make any statement at the airport and left the airport by an armored limousine.
Bush and the accompanying delegation are being escorted by many guards and vehicles.
Alternative routes have been drawn for Bush and accompanying delegation due to security reasons. Special forces are on alert in these routes.
Sources say that there would be a decoy car using another route than that the limousine carrying Bush and his wife is using.
Seven thousand security forces have ensured security at Ankara's Esenboga Airport and the route to be used by Bush's limousine.
Bush will firstly meet with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell are also expected to attend the meeting.
U.S. President George Bush will visit Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the Founder of Turkish Republic, and then meet with Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer.
Following their meeting, Bush will attend working lunch to be hosted at the Presidential Palace.
Bush and accompanying delegation will proceed to Istanbul following their meetings in Ankara. U.S. President Bush is scheduled to attend NATO summit in Istanbul between June 28 and 29.
U.S. President Bush is expected to discuss bilateral relations, Iraq, presence of the terrorist organization in the north of Iraq, Cyprus, Turkey's European Union (EU) process, U.S. global defense strategy, NATO summit, Middle East and Afghanistan during his visit to Ankara.
Presence of the terrorist organization in the north of Iraq will be the most important issue to be taken up during Bush's meetings.
Turkey will once more express its expectations about elimination of the terrorist organization from the north of Iraq, and about concrete steps of the United States regarding this issue.
Turkey will ask the U.S. administration to be more consistent in its statements and decisions about the matter.
Turkey, which expects a gesture about Cyprus issue, will request Bush that the U.S. administration should clarify the commitments it made after April 24th simultaneous referenda in the island to support Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Bush is expected to inform Ankara about his meetings in Ireland and reiterate the support of the United States to Turkey's EU membership process.
Turkey will express its sensitivities about Iraq and especially Kirkuk and its view that Turkmens should be represented in an Iraqi government in proportion to their population.
09:52 - 27.06.2004
-LUGAR SAYS IF NATO MEMBERS UNDERTAKE EFFECTIVE ROLE IN IRAQ AND MIDDLE EAST, IT WILL BE A BOLD STEP
U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Richard Lugar said on Saturday that if NATO member countries undertook an effective role in Iraq and Middle East issues, it would be a bold step.
Lugar delivered a speech at the second day session of the conference ''NATO At a New Crossroads'' jointly organized by Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) and U.S. think-tank organization German Marshall Fund.
Stating that they were proud of NATO's undertaking role in Afghanistan and its creating change there, Lugar said that NATO could do more in Afghanistan if its members made more contribution.
Lugar said that Turkey's membership to Euro-Atlantic Alliance showed that people from different cultures could share values of freedom and democracy, and stressed importance of Turkey's strategic role.
Expressing belief that NATO would be successful in Iraq and Afghanistan, Lugar said that there was need for assistance of international partners.
When asked whether or not NATO would interfere in Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Lugar said that it was possible, but NATO member countries should evaluate the issue.
09:48 - 27.06.2004
POLICE SAY TURKISH PEOPLE MAKE NO CONCESSION TO TERRORISM
Turkish people do not make concession and give in to terrorism, Turkish Police spokesman Ramazan Er said on Friday.
Holding a press conference, Er stressed that Turkish people and police are experienced against acts of terrorism. ''The Turkish nation makes no concession to terrorism and they don't give in to terrorism. The Turkish nation overcomes it with determination.''
Asked whether police had negligence in yesterday's blasts in Ankara and Istanbul, Er said, ''there are 264 bomb disposal experts in Turkey. They received a training program of three months.''
''The explosion in Ankara happened while our police officers were approaching a suspicious parcel and the blast in Istanbul happened aboard a city bus while it was moving. It has been proven that one of the people killed in the blast had been involved in acts by a leftist organization in the past. Investigations into explosions have been continuing,'' he said.
Replying to another question, Er said police have taken every security measure ahead of U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to Turkey.
''No one should feel panic or fear. Our country has hosted many international meetings in previous years and our own security forces took the security measures for them. Events like the ones that occurred yesterday in our country take place from time to time in all countries of the world,'' he said.
Four people were killed and fourteen others were injured in the blast in Istanbul, and three people including two police officers were wounded in an earlier blast outside Hilton Hotel in Ankara.
Police have been conducting regular spot-checks throughout Turkey and destroyed suspicious packages Thursday and Friday in several provinces.
Security will be extremely tight in Istanbul with more than 23,000 police on duty and a large summit area will be closed to the public.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair, French President Jacques Chirac and other NATO leaders will attend the summit in Istanbul on June 28-29.
Washington stated on Thursday that those blasts would not affect Bush's travel plans.
16:06 - 25.06.2004
ISTANBUL GOVERNOR GULER: ''ISTANBUL IS READY FOR NATO SUMMIT''
ANKARA/ISTANBUL (A.A) - Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler said on Friday that Istanbul was ready for upcoming NATO Summit to be held between July 28 and 29, 2004.
Guler told reporters that all necessary measures were taken for the NATO Summit.
Policemen held an exercise to escort foreign guests from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport to hotels, and to protect delegates.
Meanwhile, devices and equipment to be used during U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to Turkey were brought to Istanbul in a C-130 cargo plane of the U.S. Air Forces.
On the other hand, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was given a briefing on NATO Summit and security measures taken in Istanbul.
The Turkish Airlines (THY) warned ticketholders that some delays could occur in domestic and international flights due to NATO Summit.
Middle East Technical University (METU) Economics Society held a special meeting on NATO Summit with the participation of representatives of non-governmental organizations.
The Turkish parliament released a statement calling on the government to take necessary initiatives to help Albania, Macedonia and Croatia to become NATO members in the future.
Documentary Filmmakers' Association called on everyone having a camera to document NATO days in Istanbul between June 26 and 30. The pictures will be gathered and made a documentary film later.
Meanwhile, protests against NATO Summit have been continuing in different parts of Turkey. Several groups held demonstrations in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya to protest the upcoming summit.
A group of members of some political parties and some non-governmental organizations laid a black wreath in front of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara to protest the NATO Summit.
13:44 - 25.06.2004
NATO SUMMIT (2)
The motto of NATO's Istanbul summit will be '' zero mistake, zero risk'', the Turkish organizers said.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between NATO Secretariat and the Foreign Ministry of Turkey, the host country.
Within the context of the summit, Istanbul will welcome more than 6500 persons, including heads of state and governments.
''The transportation will be an important topic during the summit'', an official said, stating that some main arteries will be closed to traffic during the meeting. The organizers are also expecting patience and understanding from the citizens.
More than 3500 journalists will cover the summit. In the press center, officials installed 200 telephone lines, 500 computers, 200 plasma screens and 140 TV sets. Wireless communication will also be provided for laptop users.
-3 AWACS PLANES-
NATO has provided 3 AWACS planes to Turkey to contribute to the security of the summit, it was learned. A team, composed of 30-40 experts of CBRN (anti chemical-biological, radiological and nuclear) battalion of the NATO will also arrive in Turkey before the summit.
-CETIN'S ROLE-
On the other hand, the term of office of Mr. Hikmet Cetin, the political representative of NATO for Afghanistan, is expected to be extended for a further 6 months. Cetin has assumed his duties last November. He was assuring dialogue and contacts with local authorities, as well as contacts with neighboring countries.
In a statement Mr. Cetin underlined the necessity of reforms in 5 areas, including the demilitarization and discharge of more than 100 thousand militiamen, as well as their integration to the civil society.
He asked for a reform to form a 70 thousand-strong national army. ''In this context 8 thousand soldiers have already been instructed and a police force should be established'' he declared.
Mr. Cetin also insisted on reforms in judiciary and fight against narcotics. He noted that the 75 p.c. of world opium is produced in Afghanistan.
-NEW IMAGE OF NATO-
''A new image of NATO will dominate the Istanbul summit'', Jaap de Hoop Schaffer, Secretary General of NATO said.
Indicating that the cooperation with Balkan, Central Asia, Caucasus and Mediterranean countries, the secretary general indicated that the main focus will be on Afghanistan. He said that Iraqi question will also be discussed but refrained to make further comments on this issue.
16:05 - 24.06.2004
NATO ISTANBUL SUMMIT (1)
Presidents, prime ministers, ministers and civilian and military officials from the 26 member countries, and 20 states cooperating with the alliance will join the NATO's Istanbul summit to be held in Istanbul between June 28 and 29.
This will be the 17th summit in 55-year history of the Alliance.
Defense ministers of NATO member countries will meet on June 27 prior to the summit.
NATO summit will start on June 28 with the speeches of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.
Representatives of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, who newly attended the Alliance, will for the first time join a NATO meeting.
Progress recorded in various areas since the Prague summit held at the end of 2002 and discussion of new assignments of the alliance are expected to be reviewed. What could be done in the future is expected to be determined in the NATO summit, as well.
Heads of government and state will take up several important files mainly Afghanistan and Iraq.
Fight against terrorism, stability in the Balkans, modernization of NATO force structures, and broadening cooperation with non-NATO member partners are among the agenda topics of the summit.
NATO Secretary General's Representative for Afghanistan Hikmet Cetin will also participate the summit. Cetin's term in office, which will expire in July, is expected to be extended.
-EURO-ATLANTIC PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL MEETING-
As 26 Alliance members and 20 partners will meet at Euro-Atlantic Council meeting, foreign ministers of Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina will join the meeting as observers.
Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai will also be present at the first session of Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council meeting.
NATO, which aims to focus on Central Asia and Caucasus, will adopt a document in Istanbul on this issue and give green light to developing of joint activities with regional countries.
-MEDITERRANEAN DIALOGUE-
NATO, which already had a dialogue with Mediterranean countries such as Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt and Mauritania, Jordan and Israel within the scope of a process initiated in 1994, will undertake a new action to increase dialogue with Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait.
Cooperation opportunities in defense and security areas will be presented to the countries in question in line with the proposals of the United States and Britain within the scope of Greater Middle East Initiative.
-NATO-RUSSIA COUNCIL-
On the other hand the rejection by the Russia President Vladimir Putin to assist the summit has created some trouble within the NATO-Russian Council, it was stated.
-JOINT COMMUNIQUE-
NATO summit will end with a joint communiqué apart from a document that will be issued on Iraq. This statement will include items concerning the fight against terrorism; Afghanistan; Balkans; developments in defense abilities of the Alliance; relations with Russia and Ukraine; fight against proliferation of the weapons of mass destruction.
-ACTIVITIES OF THE SUMMIT-
On the sidelines of the summit, ''NATO at a new turning point'' conference will take place in Ciragan on June 25 and 26.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Afghan President Hamid Karzai will also address the conference.
A ''Youth Summit'' held by American Atlantic Council and some youth organizations in Turkey will take place in Ciragan between June 27 and 28.
Also, there will be an exhibition in Press Center arranged by NATO Science Committee.
NATO Science Award will be presented to Turkey this year for the researches carried out by three Turkish universities about earthquakes.
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer will present the award to Turkish State Minister Besir Atalay on June 27.
(to be continued)
12:32 - 24.06.2004
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