Turkish defense minister says air control center in Izmir not a base

IZMIR (A.A) – Turkish National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul said on Thursday that air control center in Aegean province of Izmir was not air base of any country or NATO, but a decision mechanism.
Asked to comment on operation against Libya, Gonul said NATO was a defense organization and it had decision mechanisms.
Gonul said, "although it's not our wish, a scene like a civil war is underway in Libya, has appeared. We are extremely uneasy over it. A three-phase decision has earlier been made on Libya. They were humanitarian assistance, weapon embargo and ban on flights."
"Turkey is included in two of them; the humanitarian assistance and weapon embargo. Five Turkish ships are currently in the region within the scope of weapon embargo. Another is on the move. A Turkish submarine has been deployed. Six defense aircraft are ready at their bases for mission. They are made in the scope of weapon embargo."
Referring to the directives of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding treatment of the injured in Turkey, Gonul said, "we are pleased that Izmir is given assignment in this respect. Izmir has necessary capacity and capability to fulfill the mission."