Decision to send troops to Syria if required is a deterrent and not a declaration of war, says Turkey's government http://bbc.in/StabvG
8:35 AM - 4 Oct 12 · Details
Turkey's parliament authorises military action in Syria
Five Turkish civilians were killed in the Syrian shelling of the town of Akcakale
Turkey's parliament has authorised troops to launch cross-border action against Syria, following Syria's deadly shelling of a Turkish town.
The bill, passed by 320 to 129, also permits strikes against Syrian targets.
But Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay insisted this was a deterrent and not a mandate for war.
Turkey has been firing at targets inside Syria since Wednesday's shelling of the town of Akcakale, which killed two women and three children.
Ankara's military response marks the first time it has fired into Syria during the 18-month-long unrest there.
Apology
The Turkish parliament passed the bill in a closed-doors emergency session.
It permits military action, if required by the government, for the period of one year.
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Akcakale
- Akcakale is a district of southern Sanliurfa province, close to the border with Syria
- The last published census in 2000 shows its population stood at just over 77,000
- It is just under 50km (31 miles) from the Syrian border town of Tall al-Abyad and about 240 km (150 miles) from Aleppo
- The area surrounding the town is known for its archaeological excavations
Sources: Turkish Statistical Institute, Sanliurfa Municipality
However, Mr Atalay insisted the priority was to act in co-ordination with international bodies.
He told Turkish television: "This mandate is not a war mandate but it is in our hands to be used when need be in order to protect Turkey's own interests."
He said Syria had accepted responsibility for the deaths.
"The Syrian side has admitted what it did and apologised," AFP news agency quoted Mr Atalay as saying.
The UN Security Council is to meet later, following a Turkish request for the body to take "necessary action" to stop Syrian "aggression".
Nato has held an urgent meeting to support Turkey, demanding "the immediate cessation of such aggressive acts against an ally".
The US, the UK, France and the European Union have already condemned Syria's actions.
Russia, which is allied to President Bashar al-Assad's government, has asked Damascus to acknowledge officially that the cross-border attack was "a tragic accident" which will not happen again.
AKUYO PATRIC 