CUMHURIYET- Columnist Orhan Birgit writes on the consequences of Prime Minister Ecevit's visit to the US. A summary of his column is as follows:
Prime Minister Ecevit evaluated his recent visit to the US upon the invitation of US President Bush for the press and also gave a detailed report at his party's parliamentary group meeting yesterday. The visit took place in a favorable atmosphere. This spring climate between the two countries should be understood as the natural result of Turkey's geographic location, the importance of which has increased greatly since the Sept. 11 attacks. In fact, Prime Minister Ecevit has spoken about the US president's complaints concerning Iraq's leader both in a special television program and during the DSP parliamentary group meeting. He stressed that Washington would like to get rid of Saddam through diplomatic means. It is understood that Baghdad has gotten the message as Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz is holding talks in Moscow and Beijing. Iraqi deputy prime minister's statement after his return to the country will show whether Saddam has learnt his lesson. Turkey's policies pursued regarding Cyprus and Turkish-Greek relations were not rejected by the US. The direct talks carried out by the two leaders on the island is an implementation of the method Ankara has argued for all along. Furthermore, steps have been taken to form a strategic economic partnership between Turkey and the US. For years we have been reproaching the US that it only remembers us when military or political issues come to mind. Today it can be said that the time has come to work on mutual trade. Also, it should not be forgotten that the prime minister's visit to the US has dashed the hopes of those waiting for early elections.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION