From Zaman: The absence of sufficient cooperation between NATO and the European Union is harming security efforts in Afghanistan, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen reiterated in Ankara on Friday . . .
“At the moment, the problem is the absence of an agreement on security between the EU and Turkey. In addition, NATO couldn’t have an agreement on a security deal with [Greek] Cyprus,” Rasmussen was quoted as saying by the Anatolia news agency. The former Danish prime minister said he has been aware of historical facts, referring to the long-running disagreements between Turkey and Greece, yet added that the sides should focus on finding practical solutions . . .
On Thursday in Athens, Rasmussen said the dispute is hampering closer cooperation between NATO and the EU, which are both involved in missions to train Afghanistan’s police and military.
“I think this should be a matter of concern for responsible politicians in both organizations [NATO and the EU],” said Rasmussen, who met in Athens with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis. “At the end of the day, the lack of security agreements might put our personnel on the ground at risk. … It is a subject of real concern to me.” (photo: Zaman)