Turkey will contribute in action against ISIL, Pentagon says

WASHINGTON

'I think Turkey will contribute. They've indicated that,' Pentagon Spokesperson Kirby says about a military action against the ISIL. AFP photo

Turkey will make contributions to military efforts against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants in Syria and Iraq, as it is a NATO member and has geographical advantages for such an action, U.S. Pentagon Spokesperson John Kirby has said. 

“Our expectation is that Turkey, a NATO ally, just by virtue of her geography is going to be a partner in this effort, and they indicated that they would be and that they want to be,” Kirby said while responding to a question on Turkey’s not signing the Jeddah communique, which pledges military action on the ISIL, during a Sept. 12 press briefing. 

“But it's up to Turkish leaders and the Turkish people to determine how and when that is manifested.  We're not going to dictate to that,” he said. 

Turkey has highlighted that it would lend non-combatant support to a possible struggle against ISIL, as its 49 diplomats are still kept hostage by the Jihadists. 

Asked about what would happen “if Turkey doesn't contribute anything to the military,” Kirby said: “I don't think it's going to be an issue. I think Turkey will contribute. They've indicated that. But they're going to do it in their own way and in accordance with their own mandates from the Turkish people.”

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry held talks in Ankara on Sept. 12 to shape the strategy in the fight against jihadists in Iraq and Syria, as Turkey reiterated its readiness for “merely humanitarian assistance” in the region, instead of getting involved in combat operations.

“We are important partners, but not just in NATO,” Kerry said.