Turkey, Syria relations warm

Israeli political and military officials are worried about warming relations between Turkey and Syria -- relations that could threaten Jerusalem's own defense agreements with Ankara, reports DEBKAfile's intelligence sources.

A high-ranking Turkish military delegation, headed by Lt. Gen. Rashad Yourgot, chairman of the planning commission of the Turkish army, traveled to Damascus last week. DEBKAfile reports the delegation was given red-carpet treatment and was received by the Syrian defense minister and deputy premier, Lt. Gen. Mustafa Tlass, after touring Syrian army bases.

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According to reports reaching Jerusalem, Syrian officials tested the chances of persuading Turkey to wind down its military relations with Israel and, in particular, to withdraw its permission for Israeli air force training flights to use Turkish bases.

Yourgot replied that he was not authorized to discuss the matter and promised to refer it back to his superiors in Ankara.

Israeli officials were also reportedly disturbed by the Turkish general's declaration in Quneitra in the Syrian part of the Golan Heights, backing Syria's efforts to attain full Israeli withdrawal to the June 1967 lines.

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