Scheffer: Turkey Gives The Impression That It Copes With PKK Very Well
BRUSSELS - Secretary General of NATO Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said on Monday that despite terrorists use asymmetrical ways, Turkey gives the impression that it copes with PKK terrorist organization very well.
Speaking to Turkish journalists at NATO HQ, Scheffer briefed about the agenda of NATO heads of state & government summit which will take place in Romania next month.
Scheffer said that the missile defense system which the United States is planning to establish in Europe would protect only a large part of Europe, not the entire Europe.
He stressed that NATO always keeps its "indivisibility of security" principle on top, adding that every ally country should benefit from the same protection.
Scheffer said that NATO has a very important responsibility regarding missile defense system, and added that this issue especially concerns Turkey very much.
Noting that they want a more strategical partnership between NATO and UN and EU, Scheffer mentioned the problems about EU`s use of NATO infrastructure. He added that the issue is important for Ankara as much as it is for NATO and the EU.
When a reporter recalled that 5th resolution of NATO convention functioned after September 11th attacks, and asked whether the same resolution will function regarding PKK terrorist organization, Scheffer said that the 4th resolution --which envisages consultation-- was used instead of the 5th one.
Upon a question about Turkey`s stance regarding NATO`s demand for additional troops for Afghanistan, Scheffer said that they want Turkey to do more; and if it does, NATO will appreciate Turkey.
(GC)
