US Defense Sec'y urges quick end to N.Iraq ops after mission completion

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates over the weekend urged a quick end to the current Turkish Armed Forces' (TSK) cross-border operation into northern Iraq, once they accomplish their mission, as well as non-military methods to help end terrorism. "I would hope that it (the operation) would be short, that it would be precise and avoid the loss of innocent life, and that they leave as quickly as they can accomplish their mission," Gates said during an official visit to Australia. "I think that all of our experience in Iraq and Afghanistan shows us that, while dealing with a terrorist problem does require security operations, it also requires economic and political initiatives." He added, "This is a difficult, long-term problem, and Ö it needs to be addressed in a comprehensive way. Just using the military techniques are not going to be sufficient to solve the problem for the Turks. I think Turkish concern will only be allayed when there is a significant diminution in PKK activity in Turkey."