Turkish Military Considers U.S. Troops Deployed in Turkey
By Selcan Hacaoglu, AP Writer, Jan. 31, 2003, ANKARA, Turkey - In a move that eventually could allow U.S. soldiers to use Turkey as a base for war against Iraq, Turkey's top military and civilian leaders Friday endorsed basing foreign troops in the country. The decision by the powerful National Security Council also called for government and parliamentary approval to send Turkish soldiers abroad. Turkish generals have said they want to deploy soldiers in northern Iraq to maintain stability if there is a war. "If a military operation becomes inevitable, Turkey will not hesitate to take measures to protect its national interests," the council said in a statement apparently warning that Turkey could move into northern Iraq -- site of a Kurdish autonomous region. The council decision on foreign troops comes after intense U.S. pressure to base its troops in NATO-ally Turkey. The council , which is chaired by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and includes the prime minister, foreign minister, defense minister and top generals , made its recommendation after a 6 1/2-hour meeting.

"The National Security Council recommends ... that peaceful means continue to be sought, and on the other hand that parliament take steps in accordance with Article 92 against unwanted developments and activate military measures necessary to protect Turkey's national interests," the council statement said.

Article 92 of the Turkish constitution says any decision to send Turkish troops abroad or host foreign troops in Turkey must be approved by parliament.

There is strong opposition in Turkey to any Iraq war and the council's recommendation could make it easier for legislators to approve any basing of foreign troops. Turkey's parliament likely will meet next week to discuss the recommendations.

Council members did not speak after the meeting. The council traditionally issues short statements after its meetings and does not elaborate.

The government has been extremely reticent to allow U.S. troops in and has been pressing for a peaceful solution to the Iraqi crisis. Turkey last week hosted a meeting of Iraq's neighbors, who called on Baghdad to cooperate fully with the U.N. inspections regime in the country to search for banned chemical, biological and nuclear weapons programs.

Turkish leaders fear that a war will destabilize the region and derail Turkey's fragile economic recovery.

Turkey especially is concerned that a war in Iraq could encourage Iraqi Kurds living in an autonomous region outside of Baghdad's control to try and form an independent state.

Turkey fought a 15-year guerrilla war with Kurdish rebels in predominantly Kurdish southeastern Turkey and fears a revival of the fighting. Polls show that Turks overwhelmingly oppose a war and the new government is keenly aware that allowing in U.S. troops has virtually no popular support.

But Turkey depends on the United States for political and economic support.

The United States reportedly has asked Turkey for permission to base 80,000 soldiers in Turkey to open a northern front against Iraq. Turkish officials have asked Washington to scale back its request. Newspapers have speculated that Turkey could agree to the stationing of up to 20,000 U.S. troops.

Turkey's support is considered crucial in any war with Iraq. Turkey already hosts some 50 U.S. aircraft that patrol a no-fly zone over northern Iraq.