MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen writes on the Iraq issue and the policies of Turkey and the US. A summary of his column is as follows:
In light of last weekend's visit to Ankara made by a US Senate delegation of nine, including Senator Joseph Liberman, the views of Washington concerning Iraq became bit clearer. Two points are noteworthy regarding the views expressed on the issue. First is that Bush administration does not have a clear-cut action plan regarding Iraq. Second is that before the US determines a final policy on the problem, and what's more, before it engages in an operation, it will certainly consult Turkey. Senator Lieberman's statements to that effect have relieved Turkish officials. US President Bush and Turkish Prime Minister Ecevit will have ample opportunity for such consultations. Turkey's policy on the issue is clear. The Turkish side will say to its counterpart that a military operation by the US against Iraq would be dangerous and damaging. Other means should be tried to bring Iraq to reason. There are two reasons why Ankara thinks this. One is subjective and the other, objective. The subjective reason being that a conflict in the region would damage its own political and economic interests and therefore it doesn't want to be led into an adventure with its neighbor. When reasoned objectively, it may be seen that such a war may cost the US dearly, upset international balances and lead to new complications. In fact, there are many in Washington who believe that US intervention could lead to adverse consequences. However, the US seems to be fixed on the idea that Saddam Hussein must go anyhow. Therefore, the real issue for the US is, as Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem says, the overthrow of Saddam's regime. For Turkey the priority is the territorial integrity of Iraq. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ecevit's recent statements have tried to correct the misimpression that he is in favor of the continuance of Saddam's regime no matter what. He said that he has called on Saddam to comply with the UN decisions, but to no avail. There are other choices US is evaluating other than the military option. Turkey was in favor of the status quo. However, it is becoming clear that maintaining the status quo really does not fall in line with Turkey's interests. Therefore, Turkish diplomacy should work on new scenarios and determine the best option, one which will not leave Turkey out of any formation led by the US.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION