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Incirlik preparing for new era
The Anatolian Times
4/9/2005
Turkey has yet to convey its official response for the request of its
close ally, the U.S., to use Incirlik Airbase for logistical purposes
during its operations against Afghanistan and Iraq, but preparations
for the airbase's new era are already in progress. Sources told The New
Anatolian that although the General Staff office has some reservations,
it has submitted a positive response to the government.
It's known that in the wake of a series of talks, the government
adopted the idea of allowing the U.S. to use Incirlik as a logistical
base. But this view has yet to be officially voiced.
Despite all, the U.S. has already started preparations for Incirlik's
new future.
Maintenance of the main runway, ruined due to the base's heavy
schedule, is to be carried out between April 29 and May 13.
Meanwhile, the barracks, built instead of a tent city, is also
undergoing maintenance. In addition to all this, an aircraft hangar
is being kept on alert for a possible troop transfer. The hangar
can hold around 1,000 soldiers. There's also international call and
Internet access from the hangar.
Debate is on
The government is reportedly waiting for April 24 to make its final
decision on the Incirlik Airbase. Although this was denied by the
government sources, it's been claimed that the government is holding
this card against the possibility official recognition of the so-called
Armenian genocide.
On the other side of the coin, uncertainty about the details continues.
It's claimed that government will allow the U.S. to use Incirlik
as a logistical base through a secret resolution dated June 23,
2003, while others insist that the Defense and Economic Cooperation
Agreement, dated 1980, allows the government to give permission to
the United States.
Legal experts had been saying that the agreement was signed as part
of a NATO agreement and does not allow the government to let foreign
troops on Turkish soil.
Ammunition depot
If the government allows Incirlik to be used as a logistical base,
the Adana Airbase will turn into a ammunition depot.
In addition to food, supplies, etc. there would be various kinds of
ammunition in the base. Bombs, tank shells, and different kinds of
rockets would be brought to Incirlik for their transfer to Afghanistan
and Iraq.
Source: TNA
The Anatolian Times
4/9/2005
Turkey has yet to convey its official response for the request of its
close ally, the U.S., to use Incirlik Airbase for logistical purposes
during its operations against Afghanistan and Iraq, but preparations
for the airbase's new era are already in progress. Sources told The New
Anatolian that although the General Staff office has some reservations,
it has submitted a positive response to the government.
It's known that in the wake of a series of talks, the government
adopted the idea of allowing the U.S. to use Incirlik as a logistical
base. But this view has yet to be officially voiced.
Despite all, the U.S. has already started preparations for Incirlik's
new future.
Maintenance of the main runway, ruined due to the base's heavy
schedule, is to be carried out between April 29 and May 13.
Meanwhile, the barracks, built instead of a tent city, is also
undergoing maintenance. In addition to all this, an aircraft hangar
is being kept on alert for a possible troop transfer. The hangar
can hold around 1,000 soldiers. There's also international call and
Internet access from the hangar.
Debate is on
The government is reportedly waiting for April 24 to make its final
decision on the Incirlik Airbase. Although this was denied by the
government sources, it's been claimed that the government is holding
this card against the possibility official recognition of the so-called
Armenian genocide.
On the other side of the coin, uncertainty about the details continues.
It's claimed that government will allow the U.S. to use Incirlik
as a logistical base through a secret resolution dated June 23,
2003, while others insist that the Defense and Economic Cooperation
Agreement, dated 1980, allows the government to give permission to
the United States.
Legal experts had been saying that the agreement was signed as part
of a NATO agreement and does not allow the government to let foreign
troops on Turkish soil.
Ammunition depot
If the government allows Incirlik to be used as a logistical base,
the Adana Airbase will turn into a ammunition depot.
In addition to food, supplies, etc. there would be various kinds of
ammunition in the base. Bombs, tank shells, and different kinds of
rockets would be brought to Incirlik for their transfer to Afghanistan
and Iraq.
Source: TNA