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Turkey
Requested Equipment: 145 Bell Textron AH-1Z KingCobra attack helicopters (projected cost: $4-5 billion)
Issues: In an intensive military modernization drive, Turkey is planning to purchase several major weapons systems in deals worth billions of dollars each. Of most concern to those interested in promoting human rights and peace in Turkey is a plan to buy 145 Bell Textron AH-1Z KingCobra attack helicopters. During Turkey's 16-year-old fight against Kurdish rebels, human rights groups and the U.S. State Department have documented Turkey's use of U.S.-origin attack helicopters in violation of international humanitarian and human rights law. For example, the military has launched indiscriminate attacks on Kurdish villages, forcing hundreds of thousands of villagers to flee. Despite overtures to peace talks by the Kurdish rebels, the Turkish military continues to pursue an all-out military victory, including incursions into Iraqi territory that not only violate international law but also the No Fly Zone established by U.S. and coalition forces to protect the Iraqi Kurdish population. Because outside observers are not allowed into the region of conflict, the U.S. would be unable to verify whether U.S. equipment continued to be used in an abusive manner.
According to law and policy under successive past administrations, the U.S. government also has a responsibility to link arms transfers to the general human rights situation in the recipient state. In late 1997, when the State Department permitted U.S. companies to market helicopters to Turkey for this sale, senior officials stated that they would not recommend final authorization for the sale if certain improvements were not made in Turkey's human rights practices. According to the State Department's own human rights report, Turkey is still experiencing tremendous human rights problems. Although the Bush administration is not bound by the specific pledge of previous officials, a reversal of this position would signal to Turkey that the U.S. government no longer prioritizes human rights in Turkey.
Expected Decision: Winter 2001-02. Contract negotiations have been underway since August 2000, but severe financial problems in Turkey and a dispute with the Pentagon over local production of the mission computer have delayed the final procurement decision.
Additional Background information on Turkey