Breakthrough as Turks join talks on rapid reaction force

Date: 07/09/00

By Simon Taylor

TURKEY has signalled its willingness to take part in key talks on the Union's plans to create an independent military force to tackle international crises, allaying fears that it might block progress on the initiative.EU diplomats say Ankara's decision to discuss proposals for a rapid reaction force of 60,000 troops by 2003 with the Union is a significant breakthrough.

Turkey's change of heart comes just weeks after Foreign Minister Ismail Cem implied that his government would prevent the EU from using NATO assets if it excluded Ankara from decisions on launching military operations. "It is going very well. The Turks are always pushing us to go further, but we have been working very well together," said one diplomat, referring to a constructive meeting between the EU-15 and the 15 NATO members in July.

The Union has offered to consult Turkey fully when missions are being planned and give it a role in commanding forces once operations are under way. But as a non-EU member, the country would not have a say in decisions to launch military action.

However, some diplomats warn that Ankara's fears that it could be left out of key decision-making structures cannot be ignored. "Turkey has some legitimate concerns which should be properly addressed," said one. Hopes of better cooperation with the Turkish government have been boosted in the run-up to a gruelling set of meetings over the next two months as the Union works to find the resources needed to fulfil its hopesofcreatinga military force which can act independently of NATO.

Later this month, members of the alliance's top decision-making body, the North Atlantic Council (NAC), will meet officials from the EU's provisional political and security committee to discuss long-term arrangements to govern ties between the Union and NATO. "This will put a very important political seal on the long-term relationship," said one diplomat. To meet the target the EU has set itself for creating the new force within three years, national governments will have to draw up a detailed inventory of existing personnel and equipment which could be put at the disposal of the Union's new military unit.

The process will culminate in a 'capabilities-pledging' conference to be held in Brussels on 20 November. Turkey and some other non-EU NATO members, such as Norway, have promised to contribute troops and military hardware to the force.

Turkey has signalled its willingness to take part in key talks on the Union's plans to create an independent military force to tackle international crises, allaying fears that it might block progress on the initiative.