Press Release (2003)029 22 March 2003

Statement by NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson Lord Robertson, the Secretary General of NATO has noted media reports stating that additional Turkish forces have today crossed into Northern Iraq. After speaking to Foreign Minister Gül of Turkey, in the context of continuing consultations in NATO under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty, Lord Robertson said, "I welcome Mr Gül's assurances to NATO that these media reports are incorrect and that no forces have today entered Iraq. Mr Gül told me that Turkey is concerned only to secure its own borders and to ensure that it is ready and able to deal with any humanitarian crisis on these borders." News and information will be routinely posted on the NATO website Additional information: Background: NATO's defensive support to Turkey

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