Joint Statement by US-TR Fact Finding Team

The joint Fact Finding team directed by Generals Ozkok and Jones met in Ankara on 9-14 July to examine the circumstances surrounding the 4 July incident. The Fact Finding team was headed by TGS J-3 LTG Karabay and US European Command Chief of Staff LTG Sylvester and was composed of military and US and Turkish Foreign Ministry officials.

The team discussed the conduct and modalities of the US forces operations at As Suleimaniyah and reviewed Turkish Special Forces activities in the region. A detailed examination of the circumstances of the Turkish soldiers detention was conducted.

The team assessed the incident in a clear spirit of transparency and exchanged views for better cooperation in order to re-establish the trust and confidence on which their long-standing bilateral relationship has been based.

The US side noted the Turkish concerns related to the kind of treatment its military personnel were subjected to during the unfortunate incident. The Turkish side noted the US expressions of concern about reported activities of Turkish personnel in northern Iraq. Both sides expressed regret that this incident occurred between allied troops and the custodial treatment of the Turkish soldiers.

Both sides agreed to promptly share information related to security and stability in the area, through appropriate channels, before taking future action. Additionally, in light of the findings, they decided to establish additional measures in order to enhance future coordination and cooperation.

Both sides also agreed that it is very important to maintain their longstanding relationship.

Turkey and the US decided that, as a result of this meeting, better coordination and cooperation will be achieved in Iraq and agreed to take every measure to ensure that such circumstances would not re-occur in the future.

John B. Sylvester Koksal Karabay

LTG, US Army LTG, TU Army