PARIS–Political circles closely monitoring the diplomatic rift between Turkey and Syria have urged Ankara to warn caution its military elite and not use force to make Syria agree to the annexation of the Alexandret to Turkey–the International Herald Tribune reported over the weekend.
The Paris-based Mouharrir weekly reported that France had warned Turkey that if it continued its pressure tactics on Syria–the latter could turn the matter over to the International Court of Justice in the Hague.
The International Court of Justice could investigate the legality of the French colonialist decision–based on which Alexandret was given to Turkey.
French political circles have cautioned Turkey–saying that if the issue was brought to the international judicial body–France would be cornered into a difficult situation–since international law does not contain any provision–whereby a colonial ruler (France) can break-off territory from its subordinate country (Syria) and grant that territory to a third party (Turkey).
The weekly reported that France further cautioned Turkey–saying that in the event of involvement by the International Court of Justice–France would have to turn over all documen’s at the French Foreign Ministry–which would go to prove the Syrian case. Paris urged Ankara to limit its issues with Syria to two topics–Kurds and water resources–explaining that those issues can be resolved through dialogue.
