Turkey Breaks Bush’s Plan

VLADIVOSTOK. 28 August. VOSTOK-MEDIA. A new diplomatic scandal was blown between USA and Turkey because of the fact that Turkish authorities do not allow American hospital ships to come through the Bosporus and Dardanelles.
Ankara appeals that tonnage of American hospital ships “Mercy” and “Comfort” significantly overweighs allowed transportation limits.
Turkish side explained to official representatives of USA that passage through Dardanelles is regulated by statements of Montre Convention. According to which tonnage of superships should not excess 45.000 tonnes while this figure for American ships is 69.000 tonnes.
Considering principal Turkish position, President of USA George Bush was hit with a difficult situation. Several days ago in his TV broadcast to nation he gave an order to Navy Force commanding officers to carry humanitarian aid to Georgia. Huge hospital ships being on mission in the Mediterranean Sea appeared at hand. Though, in hurry Mr. Bush forgot to coordinate this question with the Turkish government controlling the Bosporus and Dardanelles passage. Moreover, according to following rules, Americans mush have informed Turks not less than 8 days before the passage.