TURKEY MAY HELP U.S. WITHDRAW TROOPS FROM IRAQ?

PanARMENIAN.Net
23.03.2009 16:44 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ There have been signals coming from Ankara that not
only US troops but also their arms may be allowed to be transported
via Turkish soil, i.e., via the Ä°ncirlik air base in the country’s
south, Turkish government sources have said.

"If we are going to make a fresh start in our relations with the
US, then Turkey has to act positively. This means that Ankara is
ready to talk with the US about both the passage of American troops
and arms via Turkish soil. But this does not mean that Turkey will
accept all US requests," said the same sources, speaking to Today’s
Zaman on condition of anonymity. As a reflection of a new period in
Turkish-US relations under President Barack Obama, Ankara is prepared
to talk with Washington without any prejudice and in a positive mood,
said the same sources.

President Obama announced recently that most American troops would
be withdrawn from Iraq by August 2010. Around 35,000 US troops are
expected to stay in Iraq to aid with training, civilian protection
and counterterrorism.