20.10.2004, 18:33
Zitat:TURKISH MILITARY PROJECTS TO WAIT FOR EUQuelle: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.menewsline.com/stories/2004/october/10_20_2.html">http://www.menewsline.com/stories/2004/ ... _20_2.html</a><!-- m -->
ANKARA [MENL] -- Turkey was expected to wait for a European Union decision for membership before proceeding with military procurement projects.
Turkish government sources and analysts said Ankara would delay major procurement until the EU clarifies its plans regarding membership for Turkey in December 2004. They said procurement would also depend on the revision of military requirements in the aftermath of the U.S.-led war in Iraq.
As a result, the sources said, Turkey's Defense Ministry could delay a decision on major procurement for at least another year. In the meantime, the government of Prime Minister Recep Erdogan has been wooing European defense contractors to bid on a range of proposed tenders in an effort to expand the lobby for Turkey's accession to the EU.
"Erdogan and his government will oppose any major military contract that does not give Turkey added benefit and that means capabilities for the defense industry or political credits with the EU," a government source said. "There is quiet agreement for this position within the military's General Staff."