Turkey Voices Opposition to Danish PM's Candidacy for NATO Chief
By VOA News
03 April 2009
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reaffirmed his opposition to the nomination of Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen as NATO's new secretary-general.
The Turkish leader called NATO an organization designed to ensure peace. He noted the Danish prime minister's failure to positively respond to Turkey's calls that Denmark close down a Kurdish satellite television station that Turkey considers a mouthpiece for Kurdish rebels in Turkey. Mr. Erdogan then expressed doubt over Mr. Rasmussen's ability to contribute to peace.
The Turkish leader's comments came as the Danish news media announced that Mr. Rasmussen had confirmed his candidacy for the NATO post. But Mr. Erdogan did not say whether Turkey will block the nomination. The NATO Summit opening Friday is expected to discuss choosing a successor to current Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.
Turkish President Abdullah Gul last week said his country will not block Mr. Rasmussen's approval.
De Hoop Scheffer concludes his term at the end of July.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
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