Turkish PM says Iraq cross-border operation on table

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Turkish PM says Iraq cross-border operation on table
Wed Jun 20, 2007 5:19AM EDT

AGRI, Turkey (Reuters) - Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan
told Reuters his government would authorize a military cross-border
operation into northern Iraq to crack down on Kurdish PKK rebels
if required.

"We are continuing discussions with the armed forces. If needed we
will take the necessary steps (for a cross-border operation) because
we cannot allow the PKK any longer to carry out attacks," Erdogan
said in an interview aboard his plane during campaigning in eastern
Turkey late on Tuesday.

Ankara, a key U.S. ally in NATO, wants Iraqi authorities and the
United States to crack down on the separatist Kurdistan Workers
Party (PKK), which attacks targets inside Turkey from bases in
mountainous, mainly Kurdish northern Iraq.

Asked whether he believed Iraqi and U.S. authorities would honor
promises to combat the PKK, Erdogan -- speaking via an interpreter
-- gave a lukewarm response: "I wish to remain positive."


Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSANK00026420070620

[wellst0nev0ter]

1. "All Options Are On The Table"

Hey, if it's good enough for the Bushies, then turnaround is fair play.

[cliss]

2. "All options are on the table"

Where have I heard that before?

=============================

I can just imagine Washington calling Ankara. "NO, of course you can't go across the border. No, you can't have any options on the table. The table is just for us".