Turkey asks Syria to stop rebel infiltration into Iraq

[ECH1969]

Turkey on Friday warned Syria it would face mounting international pressure unless it took steps to enact ”more serious” measures to prevent foreign militants from entering Iraq, a top Turkish diplomat said.

The message was conveyed to Syria’s Deputy Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, who met Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul here as part of diplomatic efforts by Damascus to convince the international community that it is working in earnest to prevent the infiltrations.

“We told him (Muallem) that they should do their best and that otherwise they would be in trouble since they have no credibility in the West,” the diplomat told AFP.

“Turkey also expects Syria to take more serious measures,” he added.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2005/July/middleeast_July633.xml§ion=middleeast&col=

[niceypoo]

1. Turkey?

The "rebels" AKA "Suicide bombers" are SAUDIS. How come Saudi Arabia supplies all the terrorists, yet they get off scot free as Bush strolls hand in hand with them in the pretty flower garden?

[daleo]

2. The Chimp, talking through Turkey.

Unless it is Kurds coming from Syria, why would Turkey give a damn? There may be a bit of this, but it would seem fairly minor in the scheme of things. This seems like Turkey sending Bush's message, as a cheap gesture to the BFEE.

[Johnyawl]

5. Turkey has it's own interests to look after

It's in Turkey's interest to have an end to the violence and warfare in Iraq. They want a secure, effective government in Bagdad, one that can keep the country together as a whole, and keep the Kurd's desire for independence under control. The more Iraq degenerates into civil war,(even if it's primarily between the Sunnis and Shites) the more likely the Kurds will be to create an independent Kurdistan. And Turkey has been adament all along that they will not tolerate THAT, no matter what the cost to themselves.

[Tempest]

7. Turkey doesn't care if the Kurds create an independent country

As long as it is made up of 100% Iraqi territory.

What Turkey objects to is giving up its own borders for an independent Kurdish country.

The Iraqi Kurds are supporting, both financially and with a safe haven, the Kurdish PKK terrorist group which are launching attacks (the latest one was this week) in Turkey.

[Johnyawl]

14. You're wrong on that...

...Turkey has said repeatedly that they'll use military force to prevent the creation of an independent Kurdistan in northern Iraq. The Turks know that such a nation will control about 1/3 of the oil now under Iraqs control, making them very wealthy. Wealthy enough to buy the arms nessecary to confront Turkey, and eventually Syria and Iran, to take unite all the Kurdish people.

[Tempest]

18. The Kurds have never said they wanted Kurdistan in Northern Iraq

The Kurds have said for years they wanted Kurdistan in Northern Iraq AND Southern Turkey.

The Kurds have never said they were content with just Iraqi territory.

[cliss]

8. That's what I've read also.

The Turks are sweating bullets because the Kurds want to establish a Kurdish territory for themselves. There are millions of Kurds in Turkey who agree with that plan.

Also, northern Iraq is absolutely marinated in oil. The light, sweet crude stuff that's close to the surface. Just stick in a spigot, and you've got black gold.

I think this is the Tikrit area. The Turks are really nervous about this. The US, on the other hand, doesn't seem as worried about it.

Which worries ME. Stupid idiots in Washington.

[Johnyawl]

16. Exactly, cliss...

...Turkey is adamant that the Kurds DON"T control that oil wealth. They know exactly what problems that will create for them, and they have left no doubt as to what they will do if the Kurds declare independence from Iraq, or even if the Kurds get control of the oil under some some lose federation system. Turkey will invade, slaughter the Kurds, and keep the oil for themselves.

[0007]

3. cough cough, why is Turkey interest in Iraq?

[Tempest]

6. Turkey's interest is the Kurds

Anyone coming into Iraq by way of Syria is crossing through Kurdish territory.

The Kurds are also allowing the PKK to use its territory to launch attacks in Turkey.

[0007]

10. Thanks, I failed to remember the Kurds. Sorry!

[AlamoDemoc]

4. hhmmmm, and who's this so called "top Turkish diplomat"

inquiring minds want to know!!!

[hel]

9. Here:

The message was conveyed to Syria’s Deputy Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, who met Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul here as part of diplomatic efforts by Damascus to convince the international community that it is working in earnest to prevent the infiltrations.

[AlamoDemoc]

11. I understand the turkish foreign minister Abdullah Gul

convey the massage to his Syrian counterpart, but who's the source that provided the information the two diplomats discussed? that's what I wanted to know.

[hel]

12. I think it was delivered to the press by the foreign ministry n/t

[AlamoDemoc]

13. Thanks, but I'm still suspicious about this nameless top diplomat

telling the press;

"We told him (Muallem) that they should do their best and that otherwise they would be in trouble since they have no credibility in the West, the diplomat told AFP."

[pfitz59]

15. Turkey wants......

1) Total control of Tigris and Euphrates water.
2) Iraqi oil.
3) NO independent Kurdistan.

[Barkley]

17. Why are there no rebels crossing into Iraq from Saudi Arabia? -eom

[StrafingMoose]

20. There are...

According to...

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050710/ts_nm/security_saudi_iraq_dc

[StrafingMoose]

19. They should also ask...

USA to stop using Syria & Egypt as torture outposts.

:\

Oh and also, Turkey should also ask itself to stop murdering hundreds of Kurds.