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Kosovo: NATO will use Turkish bases
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NATO will use Turkish
bases
Turkey approved on 11 May the stationing of US combat and tanker aircraft on its territory to be used to further strengthen NATO air strikes against Yugoslavia.
"We have to comply with the binding decisions of NATO, of which we are a member," Prime Minister-designate Bülent Ecevit told reporters. He added that no parliamentary decision is required for NATO aircraft to launch air strikes from Turkey.
The cabinet authorised the Turkish General Staff to discuss with NATO officials the possible use of the bases in Turkey. Although no official announcement has yet been made, about 63 aircraft including four C-130 tanker aircraft, F-16s and F-15s are planned to be deployed at Corlu, Balykesir and Bandyrma airbases.
Turkey has, however, sought restrictions on the use of NATO aircraft based at Balykesir and Bandyrma. Turkey does not want the Turkish Air Force's routine tasks upset by NATO aircraft. According to officials, Turkey will allow NATO jets to only use one of the two runways in Bandyrma base for the full 24 hours without interruption. The runways in Balykesir will also be subject to restrictions.
US Defense Secretary William Cohen told reporters during a 12 May briefing that he believes the USA will have the full support of Turkey to conduct whatever operations are necessary. The US embassy in Ankara told Jane's Defence Weekly that aircraft would likely arrive this week.
NATO planners believe that staging strikes from Turkey and Hungary will increase the pressure on Yugoslavia and make the task of the already crippled Serbian air defence system even more difficult.
Bulgaria and Romania are allowing their air space to be used for the aircraft being deployed to Turkey, although Greece refused permission for aircraft to cross its territory. Greece is the only NATO member which has refused to assist in Operation 'Allied Force'.
Lale Sariibrahimoglu JDW Corresponden
Jane's
Defence Weekly