If Turkish Soldiers Sent To Iraq, Turkey To Take Command In That Region

ANKARA - The U.S. administration accepted in principle ''Turkey's taking the command in the region where Turkish soldiers will be charged'' if Turkish soldiers will be sent to Iraq.
Diplomatic sources said on Sunday that the American side accepted in principle giving command to Turkey in the region where Turkish soldiers would be charged during the visit of U.S. Central Command chief Gen. John Abizaid to Ankara.
Noting that Turkey will be the third biggest troop in Iraq if Turkey sends soldiers there, sources say that a political process having a military dimension continues and that Turkey should be represented in proportion to its power.
The same sources also said that the Turkish-U.S. relations turned to normal by the visit of Foreign Minister Gul to the U.S.
Stressing that the visit of Gul was held in a very sincere atmosphere, sources said that American officials responded positively to Turkey's package of measures for Iraq, adding that yet the practice was the most important thing.
(Öª) 27.07.2003