Ankara Warns Israel, Advises Talabani

Iraq Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leader, Celal Talabani, met with Gul in Ankara yesterday where he was given messages of friendship and a reminder of Turkey’s sensitivities. Regarding Israel’s secret activities in Northern Iraq, Gul said: "Israeli officials say these are not true. We accept that they are not. But, everyone knows very well our sensitivity on this issue. So, we need to trust what is said. I hope we will not lose the trust." Gul noted that they received some information and rumors concerning Israel’s activities in the region. Diplomatic sources pointed out that Turkey’s sensitivity may be expressed as ‘reaction at the highest level when needed.’

Zaman reported on December 27, 2003 that Turkey demanded an ‘explanation’ concerning Israel’s activities in the region. Pinhas Avivi, Israel’s Ankara Ambassador, who was summoned to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, was then reported to have said, "If any of our officials makes contact in N. Iraq, you will be the first to know." Avivi was quoted as saying: "It would be naive to take a stand against Turkey just to improve relations with Iraq. If there is anyone who wants to take such a step, I will be the first to stop them." Gul said he wanted to believe in those statements in his statement yesterday. The Israeli Embassy once more denied that ‘they are providing training for Kurdish commandos in N. Iraq’ yesterday.