ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he would be receptive to the possibility of allowing U.S. troops to withdraw from Iraq across Turkish territory if the United States asked for permission.
In an exclusive interview with the CNN TV at the headquarters of his Justice and Development (AK) Party in Ankara, Prime Minister Erdogan said, "with regard to the exit of the American soldiers, we are positive on that issue."
He indicated that he had not yet received an official request from his American ally for permission to move troops across Turkish soil.
"If weapons and ammunition are going to come out, it has to be clear where they are going to be heading," Erdogan said. "If we are informed about where this military equipment would be going precisely, then we can make a proper evaluation."
Upon another question, Prime Minister Erdogan said that U.S. President Barack Obama had hit the right tone since his election to office.
"His steps for Guantanamo Bay were very positively received in Turkey," Erdogan said, adding that he also welcomed Obama's recent message to Iran offering congratulations on the Nevruz.
Erdogan drew a comparison between himself and the American leader, saying they shared similar humble roots.
Under an agreement with the Iraqi government, the United States will withdraw its some 140 thousand soldiers from Iraq by the end of 2011.
(UK-MS)