U.S. Relations and Turkey’s WMD Policy
Historically Turkey has been a strategic partner and an ally to United States. Turkey is a member to the international arrangements toward non-proliferation of nuclear weapons such as the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). American policy has consistently asked for Turkey’s support against the potential of Iran’s nuclear weapons capability. The United States has stressed that if Iran were to acquire nuclear weapons, it would threaten Turkey and the Middle East. The two countries, Turkey and the United States, have signed several cooperation agreements and protocols hindering the proliferation and trafficking of WMD.
Given that Turkey is situated as a geographical hub for the transit of dual usage materials, the United States sought to aid Turkish customs control. On June 14, 2005, an agreement was signed between Turkey and the United States known as Export Control and Related Border Security Assistance (EXBS) to provide expertise, training, and technological support for export controls, including deliverance of technical equipment that could identity materials that could have WMD applications.[7]
In December 2002 The National Strategy to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction was announced by George W. Bush, and was then followed by the inauguration of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) on May 31, 2003. In 2005, the two countries signed a cooperation agreement under which Turkey agreed to join the PSI, a counter-proliferation global initiative to prevent the movement of WMDs, WMD materials and their delivery systems, and related materials. The PSI envisions intelligence, diplomatic, and law enforcement strategies to prevent transfers of these materials to countries and entities of concern. The United States was keen to have Turkey take part in this Initiative, as a means of reinforcing efforts to prevent shipments of missile and nuclear technology from reaching neighboring Iran. Under PSI, Turkey organized a series of exercises under the title “Anatolian Sun” in the Mediterranean in coordination with the United States, France and Portugal in May 2006.[8] Nevertheless, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sought to allay fears of the exercise stating, “The Anatolian Sun 2006 military exercise does not target any specific country,” most likely directed towards Syria and Iran.[9]
On January 24, 2007 the Turkish Grand National Assembly accepted a bill related to the Approval of the Agreement between Turkey and the United States on Enhancing Cooperation for the Facilitation of Assistance for Preventing the Spread of Weapons of Mass Destruction. Mehmet Ali Sahin, deputy prime minister, defended the bill against criticisms in the parliament arguing that it was merely a “technical assistance agreement,” preventing the illegal trade of nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological weapons, in addition to missile launching systems, and enhancing border security. The opposition Republican’s People Party had called for a quorum to make a decision trying to prevent the enactment of the bill. Sahin of the AKP further defended the bill, arguing that the United States had also signed this agreement with other EU and NATO countries. During the heated debate, Sahin questioned the leader of the opposition, Oymen, saying:
Why are you misdirecting the public, honorable Oymen? You may be very meticulous regarding safeguarding the interests of this country, but we are twice as meticulous as you where this issue is concerned. This agreement does not run counter to Turkey’s interests.
Sahin had argued that the opposition’s criticism leveled against the bill was for essentially an attempt to criticize the AKP government. Oymen defended himself by saying: “The honorable minister has either not listened to my remarks, or has misunderstood them, or he is distorting my remarks. I am astonished. Please pull yourself together and respect the opposition.”[10] The Parliament eventually ratified the agreement a few days later.[11]
Turkey’s policy vis-à-vis WMDs and Iran in particular are summarized in the government’s own words as follows:We are following developments with great concern. Turkey does not want nuclear weapons in her region and believes that grave consequences could be faced at global level if the Middle East is not freed of weapons of mass destruction.
Nobody argues that you should be denied the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Secrecy surrounding your nuclear activities, however, gives rise to anxieties and distrust. You are working against the expectations of the international community.
The process is not evolving in favor of Iran on the international stage. You should refrain from taking steps that could further escalate tension and rather take actions that you are asked to take.
Your political leaders should make decisions consistent with the interests of the Iranian people. Emphasis should be placed on efforts aimed at finding a solution through diplomatic channels.
Turkey is not considering playing a role as a mediator between the two sides. It could assume such a role only if all the parties ask it to do so.
Turkey does not want to see a second crisis in her region following the one witnessed in Iraq.
Turkey would comply with any decision that could be made by the UN Security Council regarding Iran and take the same stance as the international community should Iran refuse to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) closely and in a transparent manner and to stop its uranium enrichment program.[12]
Turkey has been actively mediating between the European Union and Iran, aiming at a multilateral solution that could curb Iranian nuclear efforts, thus ending the nuclear tensions between United States and Iran. Turkey has also professed an interest in a peaceful nuclear program, complementary to its efforts to build nuclear power plants to address growing energy consumption and dependency, inflating oil prices and lack of electricity production.