Text Fwd: US Military Chief: Turkey Valued NATO Ally From Korean To Afghan War

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US Military Chief: Turkey Valued NATO Ally From Korean To Afghan War

http://www.defenselink.mil//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55309
U.S. Department of Defense
American Forces Press Service
July 29, 2009

U.S.-Turkish Relationship 'Exceptionally Strong,' Mullen Says
By Gerry J. Gilmore

WASHINGTON - (Editor's note: American Forces Press Service published the
following article June 2, 2009. The original version contained an erroneous
background-information statement that Turkey fought on the side of the Allies in
World War II. In fact, Turkey remained neutral until it declared war on the Axis
on Feb. 23, 1945, shortly before the war ended. The declaration facilitated
Turkey's participation in the Conference on International Organization, from
which the United Nations emerged. We regret the error. Here is a corrected
version of the article.)

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2009 - The United States and the Republic of Turkey remain
steadfast allies and friends in a modern-day relationship that stretches back
decades, the U.S. military's top officer said here yesterday.

The U.S. and Turkish governments worked together during the Cold War to surmount
"some big, big challenges," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff, said during his keynote remarks at the 28th Annual Conference on
U.S.-Turkish Relations dinner held at the Gaylord resort and convention center
at National Harbor, Md.
....
Turkey joined the United Nations after World War II. The then-Soviet Union's
demands to place military bases in the Turkish Straits prompted U.S. President
Harry S. Truman to establish the Truman Doctrine in 1947....Turkey joined NATO
in 1952, and its soldiers fought alongside U.N. troops during the Korean War.

The relationship between the United States and Turkey today is "exceptionally
strong" and "vitally important," Mullen said. Turkey has deployed troops to
Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom since 2001.
....
Mullen said the United States in recent years has provided more support to
Turkey in its fight against Kurdistan Workers' Party *terrorists*, known by the
acronym PKK. The PKK wants to establish a socialist, Kurdish state....

The increased American support for Turkey in its battle against the PKK, Mullen
pointed out, has contributed toward a vast improvement of U.S.-Turkish
relations.

Mullen also cited President Barack Obama's early April visit to Turkey's capital
of Ankara, where he addressed the Turkish parliament.
....
Turkey also has good relations with Pakistan, Mullen said, noting that he has
discussed that issue with senior Turkish military leaders, including Gen. Ilker
Basbug, the chief of the Turkish General Staff.

The Pakistani military is currently engaged in an offensive against Taliban
militants that operate in Pakistan's northwestern region near its border with
Afghanistan.
....
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