Posted on 06/25/2003 2:18:56 PM PDT by knighthawk
ISTANBUL -- Turkey will open its military bases, ports, and airports to the US-led coalition for logistical support in the rebuilding of Iraq, officials said yesterday.
Turkey's Parliament had blocked use of its territory for combat against neighboring Iraq, a decision that strained relations with the United States.
Use of the facilities during postwar reconstruction does not require Parliament's approval.
In explaining the decision to allow coalition forces to use ports and airports, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul cited a new UN Security Council resolution that allows the United States and Britain to govern Iraq and use its oil wealth to rebuild the country.
Turkish politicians have said Parliament would have been more likely to grant access to US troops in the war if the operation had UN approval.
There was strong opposition in Turkey to the war, but Turkish companies are eager to participate in Iraq's reconstruction.
"Those countries that want to help Iraq and contribute to its reconstruction may benefit from Turkey's facilities," Gul said.
The foreign minister didn't say when the decision would go into effect and did not mention military bases. Other officials, however, said bases would be available for logistical support.
Turkey is already allowing coalition forces to bring supplies into northern Iraq through a southern port and a land crossing, and the new Turkish move is expected to open other facilities for supplies, officials said. It was expected that Turkey would keep its condition that no soldiers or weapons could enter Iraq through its territory, diplomats said.
Gul also said the bases could be used by peacekeepers, which would not require parliamentary approval. Permission to use the bases would be valid for one year.
Any permission to use bases for military operations would still require parliamentary approval.
The announcement came after Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal held talks with top US officials in Washington last week to repair relations.
Turkey has also offered to send peacekeepers to Iraq, a request that has not drawn a response from the US government, officials said.
Aw jeez, not this $#@% again.
Interesting idea. Bush's answer better be NO!
Turkey has also offered to send peacekeepers to Iraq, a request that has not drawn a response from the US government, officials said.
Ah, the elite Turkish Kurdshooter brigade.
Help us free Turkish Occupied Kurdistan (TOK)!!
I ceetainly hope we took all those dollars off the table. Billions may gave been about right 6 weeks before we jumped. Today, maybe, a couple to 50 million. And, none of the direct deposit that the Turkey politicians wanted made into their private Swiss accounts.
FREE TOK!!!
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