Procurement: November 22, 2000

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Turkey has picked the South Korean K9 as its new self-propelled howitzer, but there is a problem. The K9 uses a German engine, and the Germans (who have the right to veto any sale) have been reluctant to sell weapons to Turkey because of the Kurdish situation. Germany (influenced by thousands of Kurds living in their country as guest workers) have opposed Turkish treatment of the Kurds on human rights grounds. The company might try to fit an alternative engine to the vehicle if Germany will not allow the sale.--Stephen V Cole