March 2003
Hijacker of Turkish Passenger Plane Surrenders to Authorities in Athens - 2003-03-29
A young Turkish man hijacked a passenger plane but surrendered in Athens after releasing all passengers unharmed. He claimed he wanted to go to Germany,…
A Turkish passenger plane was hijacked in the airspace of that country - 2003-03-29
A Turkish passenger plane was hijacked shortly after takeoff from Istanbul to Ankara, landing in Athens with 200 passengers. The hijacker, reportedly a single individual…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: NATO and the Issue of Turkish Military Advance into Northern Iraq - 2003-03-27
Javier Solana emphasized NATO's responsibility regarding Turkey's military actions in northern Iraq. This statement highlights the international implications of Turkey's military movements in the region.…
Turkish Army Chief States Ankara Will Only Send Additional Forces to Northern Iraq in Coordination with the United States
The Turkish Army Chief announced that additional troops will only be sent to northern Iraq in coordination with the U.S. This decision hinges on the…
President Bush's Special Envoy Denies Agreement with Turkey - 2003-03-25
Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. envoy, denies any agreement allowing Turkish forces into northern Iraq, emphasizing U.S. opposition to unilateral actions. President Bush has warned Turkey…
U.S. and Turkey Officials Fail to Reach Agreement on Deployment of Turkish Soldiers to Northern Iraq - 2003-03-24
U.S. and Turkish officials could not agree on Turkey's plan to send troops to northern Iraq, facing opposition from the U.S., EU, and Kurds. Erdoğan…
Coalition Forces Reach 160 Kilometers from Baghdad - 2003-03-23
Coalition forces have advanced to within 160 kilometers of Baghdad but encountered Iraqi resistance in several areas. Airstrikes on Baghdad have intensified, and humanitarian needs…
Turkish Military Officials Deny Deployment of Troops in Northern Iraq
Turkish military officials have denied media reports of troop deployment in northern Iraq, stating they have not entered Kurdish-controlled areas. Germany has warned Turkey against…
Turkish Military Officials Deny Deployment of Special Forces in Kurdish Regions of Iraq - 2003-03-22
Turkish military officials have refuted claims of deploying special forces in northern Iraq's Kurdish regions, despite media reports suggesting otherwise. Germany has warned Turkey against…
Turkish Parliament Votes on Government Proposal
The Turkish Parliament is voting on a proposal to allow U.S. warplanes to operate from Turkish airbases as part of military operations in Iraq. This…
Turkish Parliament Approves Bill for U.S. and U.K. Aircraft Use of Its Airspace
The Turkish Parliament has approved a bill allowing U.S. and U.K. military aircraft to use its airspace for operations in Iraq, while denying coalition forces…
Turkey's Government Requests Parliament Approval for US Fighter Jets to Use Turkish Airspace - 2003-03-19
The Turkish government is seeking parliamentary approval for US fighter jets to use its airspace for operations in Iraq, but these jets will not be…
Colin Powell: I Am Not Completely Hopeless About the Deployment of American Soldiers in Turkey
Colin Powell expressed cautious optimism regarding the potential deployment of American troops in Turkey, despite a recent parliamentary rejection. Turkish Prime Minister Erdoğan plans to…
Colin Powell: The U.S. Has Not Given Up Hope of Using Turkish Bases
Colin Powell expressed that the U.S. is still hopeful for Turkey's parliamentary approval to deploy troops for a potential conflict in Iraq. The U.S. aims…
Turkish Prime Minister: The earliest time to address the issue of American troop deployment will not be earlier than next week - 2003-03-15
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that discussions regarding the deployment of American troops will not occur until at least next week. This decision…
Demonstrations by 'Green Peace' Members in Various Locations Against the Iraq War - 2003-03-14
Members of the 'Green Peace' movement protested across Europe against the impending Iraq War. Demonstrations occurred in Moscow, Turkey, and Germany, highlighting widespread opposition to…
Turkish Officials Say Ankara Will Appeal the Ruling
The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Abdullah Ocalan's trial was unfair due to the presence of a military judge and lack of legal…
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Continues Consultations to Form New Government in Turkey - 2003-03-12
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is in the process of forming a new government in Turkey, with the U.S. hoping for quick approval for the deployment of…
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Officially Appointed as Prime Minister of Turkey - 2003-03-11
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been officially appointed as Prime Minister of Turkey by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. Erdoğan's government will decide on the future of…
U.S. Ambassador in Turkey: Erdogan's Victory is Promising for the Deployment of American Troops
U.S. Ambassador Robert Pearson expressed optimism about the deployment of American troops in Turkey following Erdogan's recent electoral victory. Erdogan's potential rise to prime minister…
Preliminary results from the vote count show that Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has gained a significant majority in the elections of Siirt province
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has won a significant majority in local elections in Siirt province, which could pave the way for his return to parliament and…
Hundreds of Turkish Army Trucks Carrying Armored Equipment Headed to Iraq Border - 2003-03-07
Hundreds of Turkish military trucks are heading to the Iraq border, signaling Turkey's military mobilization ahead of a possible U.S.-led war. This move aims to…
USA: Time and Opportunity for Turkey is Running Out - 2003-03-06
The U.S. is pressuring Turkey to decide on the deployment of American troops as time runs out. General Hilmi Ozkok supports the deployment, arguing it…
Turkish Army Supports Plan for Deployment of American Soldiers - 2003-03-05
The Turkish Army has expressed support for the government's plan to allow American troops to use Turkish bases for potential operations against Iraq. General Hilmi…
With or Without Turkey's Participation - The U.S. is Ready to Attack Iraq - 2003-03-04
The U.S. is prepared to attack Iraq regardless of Turkey's involvement, as stated by General David McKiernan. The Pentagon's plan to deploy troops in Turkey…
USA: Turkey Should Not Expect Financial Aid
The U.S. has informed Turkey that it should not expect significant financial aid following Turkey's refusal to allow U.S. troops to be stationed there. This…
Turkish Prime Minister: Refusal to Allow U.S. Military Deployment Will Not Harm Bilateral Friendship
Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul reassured that the parliament's rejection of U.S. military deployment won't damage U.S.-Turkey relations. The vote showed a narrow opposition, and…
Cancellation of the Turkish Parliament's Resolution - 2003-03-01
The Turkish Parliament Speaker invalidated a vote that would have allowed U.S. troops to use Turkish bases for a potential attack on Iraq, stating the…
Turkish Parliament Approves Deployment of American Forces - 2003-03-01
The Turkish Parliament has approved the deployment of American forces in Turkey for a potential war against Iraq. This decision allows the U.S. to use…