Here Is the Rumsfeld Letter

Our troops took action (in Suleymaniye) because we had information that at least some of those detained were in preparation of a plot. Seizing numerous arms, explosives and timing equipment found in the raid, increased our suspicions.

Upon speculations on Rumsfeld’s letter, Foreign Minister Gul denied that the letter contained any negative point and that “The letter stresses the importance attached to Turkey’s friendship and respect towards the Turkish Armed Forces.” He added that the letter showed that Rumsfeld did not know about the July 4, when it happened. A statement by the Foreign Ministry also confirmed that the letter was about the strong friendship between the two countries.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Huseyin Dirioz said that “In his letter, Rumsfeld said that U.S. and Turkey shared similar interests in Iraq, and U.S. was aware of the role to be played by Turkey in creating a united and free Iraq and it will not allow Northern Iraq to become a shelter for attacks on Turkey…It also said that the Turco-US strategic partnership was as strong as not to be affected from the recent incident…”