Turkish Government, Military Approve Iraq Incursion Plan

urkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul says the government and the military have agreed on detailed plans for a cross-border operation against Kurdish rebels based in northern Iraq.

Gul, who previously has urged the United States and Iraq to crack down on the rebels, made his remarks today on Turkish television. He said Turkey is ready to stage its own offensive if necessary.

Ahead of parliamentary elections on July 22, opposition parties have criticized the government for allegedly being too soft to approve a military incursion.

[link to www.rferl.org]