Turkish troops will head to Afghanistan next week - 2002-02-07

Turkish troops will head to Afghanistan next week to join the international peacekeeping force. Turkey is providing 261 soldiers.

The Turkish general staff says the soldiers will begin leaving for Kabul on February 15th and the entire contingent should be in place within three days.

An advance unit has been in Afghanistan for nearly three weeks to prepare for the rest of the contingent.

Turkey is a main candidate to command the peace-keeping force when Britain's mandate expires, but it wants clarification on the financing, future composition and scope of authority for the force.

Turkey also says it will provide training to help create an Afghan national army and will provide uniforms and equipment for about 600 Afghan soldiers.