US sets up military, humanitarian liaison centre in northern Iraq

Agence France-Presse | March 24, 2003

[HAL9000]

SALAHADDIN, Iraq, March 24 (AFP) - 18h36 - A US general announced here Monday the formation of a military and humanitarian liaison centre for northern Iraq and southeast Turkey.

General Pete Osman told reporters the Military Coordination and Liaison Command (MCLC) was set up "to conduct liaison and coordination with military and humanitarian assistance organisations operating in southeast Turkey and northern Iraq".

"The primary function of the MCLC is to synchronise humanitarian support operations, assist in the deconfliction (sic) of military and humanitarian activities, and coordinate relief into northern Iraq," according to a statement issued after the announcement by Osman, who is to command the centre.

"US and coalition partners support a secure, stable and viable Iraq which includes the preservation of its current borders," it said in a clear reference to Turkish plans -- despite US opposition -- to send troops into northern Iraq.

[Amerigomag]

Good luck General Osman

The Turks are hell bent to prevent the return of their vocal, ethnic, expatriots, whom the Turks have cleansed from southeastern Turkey over the past 30 years.

A small, politcal mission is not going to embarrass the Turks into abandoning the pursuits of their national interests.

Heavy armor is the only certain answer and the Turks have pulled out all the stops to prevent their insertion.