1ST LEAD NATO, Norway apologize as Turkey withdraws troops from training By dpa correspondents

Istanbul/Brussels (dpa) - The NATO chief and Norwegian defence minister apologized to Turkey on Friday after an incident in which the founder of the Turkish republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and Turkish Present Recep Tayyip Erdogan were depicted as enemies.Erdogan withdrew Turkish troops from a joint military exercise that was being held by the alliance.A Turkish prosecutor has opened an investigation into the incident over insulting Ataturk and Erdogan, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported. Insults to leaders can be an offence under local law. The incident, which apparently took place during a NATO training this month, first came to light after Erdogan brought it up during a televised address to members of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Ankara. He said the so-called "chart of enemies" was displayed during the training."We have 40 troops, now we decided to withdraw these troops," Erdogan said. He was sharply critical of the alliance. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: "I apologize for the offense that has been caused. The incidents were the result of an individual‘s actions and do not reflect the views of NATO."The person in question, a civilian contractor hired by Norway, was "immediately removed from the exercise" and an investigation is ongoing. Norway would have to decide on any disciplinary action, according to Stoltenberg. Norwegian Defence Minister Frank Bakke-Jensen said an investigation was taking place, confirming the person was a Norwegian national."The message does not reflect Norway‘s views or policies and I apologize the content of the message. Turkey is an important ally in NATO, and we value our good cooperation," the minister said in a statement.