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Wednesday, July 14, 1999
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Turkish president arrives today
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By Aluf Benn, Ha'aretz Diplomatic Correspondent
Turkish President Suleyman Demirel begins his visit to Israel today for consultations with Prime Minister Ehud Barak prior to the latter's trip to Washington at the end of the week. Barak is conferring with several regional leaders before his talks with President Clinton.
Senior Turkish diplomatic sources have said that Turkey will maintain its military links with Israel at their current level, but will not increase them at this time in order to avoid arousing fears in neighboring Arab states. They said however, that in the event that the peace process gets back on track Turkey will not only enhance these links, but wil strive to make them the cornerstone of regional defense arrangements between several neighboring countries, including Syria, and at a later stage possibly even Iraq. The Turks envisage the eventual formation of a regional defense system which would include a regional crisis management center and regular meetings between senior Israeli, Arab and Turkish officers to promote confidence building. "It is important that Arab high commands understand the mind set of the Israeli general staff," they said.
Military links between Jerusalem and Ankara have tightened ever since the two countries signed a series of defense agreements in February 1996. IAF combat jets stationed in Turkey regularly train over Turkish airspace, and Turkish pilots receive Israeli training. The two countries maintain regular strategic consultations, and their defence industries also cooperate closely.
The fact that Barak has seen fit to meet with Demirel prior to his U.S. trip is indicative of the high value he places on Israel's links with Turkey, and he will assure his guest that the resumption of peace negotiations and the possible reaching of a peace agreement with Damascus will in no way compromise Jerusalem's close links and friendship with Ankara.
© copyright 1999 Ha'aretz. All Rights Reserved
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