No combat troops for Afghanistan, Turkish defense minister

Dec 3, 2009, 13:20 GMT

Istanbul - Turkish Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul said Thursday his country will not be sending any combat troops to Afghanistan, despite the US call for more NATO forces.

Turkey currently has 1,750 soldiers in Afghanistan, providing security for Kabul, but not engaged in active combat operations.

According to Turkish press reports, US officials have conveyed to Ankara their wish to see Ankara contribute to President Barack Obama's announcement of an increase in US troops and his call for the NATO allies also to boost their troop levels.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Gonul said there has been 'no shift' in Ankara's policy to stay out of direct confrontation with the Taliban.

'We continue our reservations on Turkish troops' involvement in military operations and hot clashes in Afghanistan,' he said.

In a statement released late Wednesday, Turkey's foreign ministry gave qualified support to Obama's new Afghanistan policy, while promising to increase Ankara's support in the areas of 'training and reconstruction.'

'As a close friend and ally, we indeed support the US call on international community to contribute more. We have been increasing our contributions in line with our long-term commitments for Afghanistan,' the statement read.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to meet with Obama in Washington on December 7 and the issue of Turkey's role in Afghanistan is likely to be one of the subjects on their agenda.