WASHINGTON D.C., Jan 16 (A.A) - U.S. President George W. Bush said in his meeting with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit that the U.S. was grateful to Turkey for the support it extended to the U.S. in its anti-terrorism fight.
Speaking to reporters before starting his meeting with Ecevit, Bush said that he appreciated the leadership of Prime Minister Ecevit. You and your administration took very difficult decisions, told Bush to Ecevit.
U.S. President Bush stressed that they would search for methods to increase the trade between the two countries.
Prime Minister Ecevit said in his part that he appreciated the support of Bush government. ''We have always had very good relations with the U.S., we will continue to improve our cooperation and friendship,'' Ecevit said.
Noting that the resolution of the U.S. to save itself from terrorism carried historical importance, Ecevit said that he had very beneficial contacts in the U.S.
Responding to questions of journalists before meeting with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Bush said that he expected Saddam Hussein to permit the visit of observers regarding Iraqi weapons. Saddam has to permit the world to see whether or not Iraq produces mass destruction weapons, Bush said.
U.S. President Bush said that the U.S. would definitely consult with Turkey, an ally regarding a decision to be taken about Iraq.
When a journalist asked Bush what would happen if Saddam does not permit the visit of observers, Bush said Saddam would see its result.
Upon a question about the transfer of the leadership of the peace keeping force in Afghanistan from Britain to Turkey, Bush said that there were contacts on Turkey's taking over the leadership and that he appreciated that view.
Bush said that the U.S. would cooperate with Turkey about the efforts to reconstruct Afghanistan.
When a journalist asked if the cost of Turkey would be met if it takes part in the peace keeping force, Bush said that they didn't discuss that issue yet. There are many funds allocated for Afghanistan, he said adding these funds are used in the first stage to destroy Taliban and Al Qaeda.
It is not yet certain that Turkey will take over the leadership of this force, Bush said adding that the meetings continued.
U.S. President Bush also noted that the U.S. cancelled the travelling warning issued by the U.S. State Department for American citizens who would go to Turkey, and noted that Turkey was a wonderful country to visit and that American citizens should also benefit from that opportunity.
Upon a question about Cyprus, Bush said that he was very pleased with the new developments on the island.
''We're very encouraged that there's a dialogue now taking place,'' Bush told reporters. He thanked Turkish leaders for encouraging the dialogue.
Ecevit said in his part that ''it's good news'' that the two sides were having a face-to-face dialogue but was cautious on the eventual outcome.
''They may not attain concrete results immediately but the very fact that they are in a process of dialogue may lead to satisfactory agreements,'' he said.

RAHSAN ECEVIT MEETS WITH LAURA BUSH
Rahsan Ecevit, the wife of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit met with Laura Bush, the wife of U.S. President George W. Bush on Wednesday.
The meeting between Rahsan Ecevit and Laura Bush tok place during the meeting between Prime Minister Ecevit and U.S. President Bush.
Upon questions of journalists in Ritz Carlton Hotel, Mrs. Ecevit said that her meeting with Mrs. Bush was very positive, adding that they discussed general issues and had a chat.
When asked which issues were taken up, Mrs. Ecevit asked the wives of ministers and ambassador to respond to that question. Mevhibe Logoglu, the wife of Turkish Ambassador to the U.S. said that Mrs. Bush voiced the gratitude of the U.S. to Turkey following the terorrist attacks in the U.S. on Sept. 11.
When asked if she invited Mrs. Bush to Turkey, Rahsan Ecevit said ''yes, she wants to visit Turkey very much.''
Mrs. Ecevit said that the meeting lasted 45 minutes and Laura Bush showed them around in White House.
State Minister Kemal Dervis said in his part that the meeting between Bulent Ecevit and George W. Bush was very positive and it lasted longer than expected.

PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS HE IS PLEASED WITH U.S. DECISION TO SET UP HIGH-RANKING COMMITTEE TO TAKE UP ECONOMIC ISSUES BETWEEN TURKEY-U.S.
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Wednesday that he welcomed the decision of the U.S. to set up a high-ranking committee to take up all the economic issues between Turkey and the U.S.
Responding to questions of journalists after his meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush, Ecevit said that they discussed issues that concern the U.S. and Turkey, with Bush.
''The U.S. decided to increase its economic and commercial relations with Turkey and to upgrade the level of economic relations to that of political relations. This is very important for us,'' Ecevit said.
Ecevit said that a high ranking committee was set up under the leadership of U.S. Department of State Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Alan Larson to take up all the economic issues between Turkey and the U.S.
Upon a question about erasing of Turkey's military debts, Ecevit said that the committee which was set up by the U.S. Department of State would take up all the issues in an effective way.
Responding to a question about Iraq, Ecevit said that ''President Bush told me that if the U.S. wants to take certain measures against Iraq, he would consult to us.''
Ecevit said that the issues of Aegean and Cyprus were also taken up in the meeting and noted that he told Bush that he hoped a compromise could be reached between Turkey and Greece about issues of Aegean. ''It is to the interest of both countries to solve Aegean problem. I am sure it can be solved,'' Ecevit said.
Referring to the statement of Bush who said that the travel warning published by the U.S. Department of State for Turkey was cancelled, Ecevit said that he was pleased with it. ''We will be very pleased to see many tourists from the U.S. in Turkey. Therefore not only the relations between two states, but also the relations between the two peoples will improve. We are pleased with our contacts.''