LOC12:00
09:00 GMT
ISTANBUL, Oct 9 (KUNA) -- Turkey decided on Friday to opt out of air force
maneuvers in which military aircraft from Israel, the US, Italy, and NATO will
be taking part, local media reported.
This decision to quit "Anatolian Eagle" coincides with Israeli attacks and
violations against the Aqsa Mosque and Al-Quds (Jerusalem).
Turkey did not officially state the reason behind the decision to cancel
participation in the drills planned for October 12-24. However, the
announcement was received most favorably by the public after several demands
that the government ban Israeli planes which bombard Palestinian territories
from flying in Anatolian airspace.
The maneuvers were scheduled to take place at Konya air base, in the heart
of Turkey.
Israel participated in the joint military training 15 times with 10
aircraft at a time, virtue of a treaty ratified between Turkey and Israel in
1996.(end)
ta.aia
KUNA 091200 Oct 09NNNN