Worldwide Web WorldTribune.com

  breaking... 


Tuesday, October 16, 2007      New: Take a Stand

Turkish chief of staff on 'strategic' visit to Israel this week

ANKARA — Israel and Turkey will continue their strategic dialogue this week which has been stalled since early 2006.

In September, Turkey demanded clarifications of an Israeli air attack on a suspected nuclear facility in northeastern Syria. Ankara reported that two fuel tanks from an Israeli F-15I fighter-jet involved in the strike fell into Turkish territory.

This week's visit to Israel by Turkish Chief of Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit will mark the renewal of the dialogue. Officials said Buyukanit would focus on defense and strategic issues and discuss new military deals with Israel, Middle East Newsline reported.

Also In This Edition

"This is not a political visit," an official said. "This is about a long-standing and serious strategic relationship."

Officials said Buyukanit's visit was delayed for months amid political tensions between Israel and the Islamic government of Prime Minister Recep Erdogan. In early 2006, Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz visited Ankara in the last meeting between the military commanders of the two countries.

Buyukanit would be a guest of Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi. Officials said Buyukanit would tour Israeli defense majors that operate in Turkey.

Officials said Turkey has sought to expand several Israeli-led military projects. They cited the Israeli upgrade of Turkish M-60A3 main battle tank as well as the supply of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Israel and Turkey have maintained a schedule of steady military exercises, including air, ground and naval maneuvers. In August, Israel and Turkey conducted a joint search and rescue exercise in the eastern Mediterranean.

About Us     l    Contact Us     l    Geostrategy-Direct.com     l    East-Asia-Intel.com
Copyright © 2007    East West Services, Inc.    All rights reserved.