ANKARA - Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Wednesday that there was no request so far from the United States for usage of Turkish airspace by combatant forces.
Gul replied questions of reporters. When Gul was reminded the news reports that permission given to the United States to use Turkish Airspace for Iraq operation would expire within a few days, he said period of war ended, and that normal course started.
Gul said, ''in case any passage is needed from now on, permission is taken, and then passages may take place. War ended, there is no need for combatant forces. Normal course of things started.''
Replying a question, Gul said United Nations assigned all member countries with humanitarian aid to Iraq, and stated that Turkey opened all its facilities.
When asked whether or not a request was made from the United States for use of airspace, Gul said, ''there is no request from the United States at the moment. Permission may be asked in case there will be any demand in the future.''
Gul confirmed that Osman Koruturk was planned to be assigned as special envoy to Iraq, and stated that such kind of practices were made by other countries.
Pointing out the importance of developments in Iraq for Turkey, Gul said many activities should be coordinated, Gul said, ''we felt the need to appoint a special envoy for coordination, and to carry out Turkey's policy in the best way.''
Gul said this assignment was planned beforehand, and that Turkey's Ambassador in Baghdad Osman Paksut would continue his mission. Gul said the special envoy would be assigned in Ankara, however he would make visits continuously.
Replying a question about reports of Turkish delegation about Iraq, Gul said there was a broad analysis in the reports, and that those were considered strategically.
(AY-AÖ) 17.09.2003