Turkey continues incursion in north Iraq, Yelmaz: Relations with Israel are strategic
Turkey-Israel, Politics, 12/9/1997

As Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai is discussing means of broadening military occupation with Turkey and setting the date for postponed joint maneuvers in the Mediterranean, Turkish troops continued aggressions in north Iraq, shelling and bombarding Khuwar Kork district inside the Iraqi territories. Western sources in the Iraqi Deyar Bakr city said that six Turkish F-16 jet fighters raided on Monday targets inside the Iraqi territories through rocketing land-air missiles.

Turkish sources admitted that a comprehensive mopping up operation is being conducted in collaboration with armed militiamen from the Kurdistan Democratic Party in which thousands Turkish soldiers are taking part.

Meantime, Turkish foreign ministry sources on Monday denied reports that there is a fixed date for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops from north Iraq, saying that the troops will leave Iraqi territory when their mission is completed.

Israeli and Turkish officials said talks between the two sides dealt with arms projects and planned joint naval exercises in meetings with Turkish civilian and military leaders. Mordechai said, "The relationship between Turkey and Israel is a strategic relationship aimed at strengthening Turkey and Israel."

Yelmaz claimed in a statement to the Kuwaiti daily al Watan that this cooperation will expand in future as a strategic element to guarantee the two sides security.

Previous Stories:
  Turkish - Syrian - Iraqi dispute over water   (12/8/1997)
  Turkish ambassador denies Israeli forces in north Iraq   (11/21/1997)
  Fierce fighting between Kurd factions despite US, British, and Turkish efforts   (10/16/1997)

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