ANKARA Ñ Turkey has been struggling to obtain Western funding for
its new leadership role of the peacekeeping force in Afghanistan.
Officials said major NATO allies have either rejected or delayed pledges
of financial aid to ensure that Turkey can fulfill its mission in commanding
the more than 4,000 international peacekeepers in Afghanistan. Turkey took
over the command of the 19-nation International Security Assistance Force
from Britain last week in an effort to ensure security in Kabul and help the
interim Afghan government.
Turkey has asked Britain and the United States for up to $50 million in
aid for the peacekeeping mission. Ankara has asked for a satellite
communications system and military transports.
On Monday, Britain turned down Ankara's request for help in financing
its command role of the peacekeeping force. The government said it would
leave Turkey equipment used during Britain's command of the force. This
consists of computers, communications equipment and a fire engine.
"The UK [United Kingdom] will not be giving any financial assistance,
but has agreed to leave in Afghanistan for use by ISAF some computer and
communications equipment and a fire engine," Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon
said.
Britain also plans to withdraw most of its 1,500 peacekeepers from
Afghanistan over the next week.
Turkey has been seeking NATO help to finance its command role of the
peacekeeping force. Turkey plans to deploy at least 1,400 soldiers as well
as command vehicles and other equipment for its mission.
The United States has also failed to fulfill Turkish financial requests.
The Bush administration has pledged to provide Ankara with $200 million in
economic aid and $28 million in military aid. But the request has not yet
been sent to Congress.
