US Still Waits for Turkey's New Decision on Troop Deployment: Report

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, March 05, 2003

US Still Waits for Turkey's New Decision on Troop Deployment: Report

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U.S. President George W. Bush has sent a message to Turkey's Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, saying Washington is still waiting for Ankara's approval of US troop deployment on its soil for a possible war on Iraq, a newspaper report said Wednesday.

The message was conveyed by US Ambassador to Turkey Robert Pearson who called on Gul Tuesday afternoon before his departure for Doha, Qatar, to attend an summit of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Turkish daily Milliyet (National) reported.

Pearson indicated that President Bush did not want his "NorthernFront" plan to be spoiled despite Turkish Parliament's refusal of the government motion on stationing foreign troops in Turkey and sending Turkish troops abroad.

But Gul called for US patience before his government could tablea new motion to the parliament to allow in US troops for a war on Iraq.

"It is very risky to submit a new motion to the parliament before a broad consensus is reached," he reportedly told Pearson.

"Developments proved that imposing pressure causes negative impact. The United States should wait for the normal political process. Mistakes should not be repeated," Gul was quoted as telling the US ambassador.

Discussion is under way within the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) if a new motion should be tabled to the parliament on the US troop deployment and dispatch of troops into northern Iraq in case of war.

The US has been pushing Ankara hard to approve the deployment of62,000 US combat troops to set up a northern front against Iraq. The deployment is deemed crucial as it will quicken the US militarythrust into Iraq to oust Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Washington has reportedly offered a huge aid package worth billions of US dollars in exchange for Turkey's approval of its troop deployment.

After the Turkish parliament vetoed the government motion Saturday, US Secretary of State Colin Powell phoned Gul to amend ties strained by the vote, hoping Turkey will reconsider its decision.

In the same motion, Turkish government was also seeking permission to send Turkish troops to northern Iraq to prevent the region's breakaway Kurds from declaring independence and massive refugees inflow from Iraq.

Turkey fears that Iraqi Kurds will take advantage of a war to declare independence, setting an example for Kurds in southeastern Turkey.

As new bargaining under way, Turkey is reportedly seeking the USguarantees on preventing an independent Kurdish state in northern Iraq after Saddam's expected downfall.

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