§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are to use SHAPE military experts for planning a Turkish-led ISAF in Kabul. [54837]
§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from his (a) Turkish and (b) EU counterparts regarding the possibility of using SHAPE's military experts for planning a Turkish-led ISAF; and if he will make a statement. [54836]
§ Mr. HoonI have not receive any representations from my Turkish or EU counterparts on this subject.
180WI am not aware of any recent requests from Turkey for NATO operational planning assistance, nor of this prospect having been raised in EU circles. However, should a request be received for planning support, this would be considered on its merits.
§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what conditions need to be met by his Department prior to Turkey agreeing to lead ISAF in Kabul. [54838]
§ Mr. HoonTurkey formally announced on 29 April its willingness to take over the leadership of the ISAF. Wide-ranging discussions have taken place, and continue, between Turkey, the US, the UK and others on the practical steps that will be needed to implement this decision. These include the support that may be needed from the UK, as the current lead nation, before during and after the handover of responsibility to Turkey.