Cheney: Any Military Operation Against Iraq Is Regardless Of Question In The Visible Future

ANKARA, March 19 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Tuesday that the U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney told him that any military operation against Iraq was regardless of question in the visible future.
Speaking after his meeting with Cheney, Ecevit said Cheney told him that any military operation against Iraq was regardless of question in the visible future.
Ecevit said Cheney told him that a motion will be presented to the U.S. Congress on Wednesday and that an aid, worth of 228 million U.S. dollars, will be given to Turkey.
Ecevit said, ''Mr. Cheney, as a positive gesture, told me that the U.S. government will make a contribution to Turkey, worth of 228 million U.S. dollars, with a motion that would be given to the Congress on Wednesday. I think this will be a contribution to our expenses in Afghanistan.''
ECEVIT: CHENEY EXPRESSED PLEASURE OVER THE TENDENCY OF TURKEY TO UNDERTAKE SECURITY ISSUE IN AFGHANISTAN
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Tuesday that the U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney spoke with pleasure over the tendency of Turkey to undertake security issue in Afghanistan to a great extend.
Ecevit responded to the questions of reporters following his meeting with Cheney.
Pointing out that the talks were very fruitful, and that they discussed many issues, Ecevit said, ''we have once again seen that we are in consensus of opinion in all issues. I was happy to see this.''
Ecevit went on as saying, ''Mr. Cheney particularly spoke with pleasure over the tendency of Turkey to undertake security issue in Afghanistan. I have pointed out the hope that an agreement could be reached on important details in this respect.''
Responding a question about International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, Ecevit said talks continued in this respect. Reminding the contribution of the United States to this end, Ecevit said, ''with such an aid, the United States makes a friendship gesture.''
Ecevit said Cheney told him that there was not any decision at the time being regarding any operation, and noted that, ''any military operation against Iraq is regardless of question in the visible future. Cheney very clearly stated this.''
When asked how he reflected the sensitivities on Iraq, Ecevit said, ''Of course we want Iraq to abide by the U.N. resolutions, and open its doors to inspection. I have clearly stated my views in the letter I had written to Saddam Hussein. I hope that Iraq will take decisions that meet the expectations of the international community.''
Responding to a question if he got the impression that the United States wanted to get rid of Saddam, Ecevit said they did not discuss such details. Stressing that Cheney has already known the ideas of Turkey in this respect, Ecevit said, ''they expect Iraq to meet the expectations not only of
the United States but of the whole world.''
When asked if he conveyed that Turkey was against a probable operation, Ecevit said, ''it is not necessary to state this issue more. Because I have conveyed you the statements which Cheney very clearly stated on behald of the U.S. administration. Any operation is regardless of question against Iraq in the visible future.''
Responding to another question, Ecevit said one of the most important results of Cheney's tour to the Middle East was the formation of a basis for dialogue between Israel and Palestine. Ecevit said this was pleasing, and that they assessed this as a very big success.
Ecevit said, ''we have stated our hopes in this respect. We are ready and willing to make every contribution which we can to this end.''
When asked, ''Is there any situation that Cheney gave up the idea of an operation against Iraq following his contacts,'' Ecevit said, ''it is not right to make such a comment, because Mr. Cheney very clearly stated that any military operation is regardless of question in the visible future.''
Responding to a question if Turkish-Greek relations and Cyprus issues were brought onto the agenda, Ecevit said they stated their views and hopes in this respect.
Ecevit said, ''Mr. Cheney gave us information about his visits. It was very beneficial. His visit was very beneficial with respect to the re-opening of dialogue between Palestine and Israel.''
When asked if request of Cheney to meet with Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, created uneasiness for him, Ecevit said, ''this is out of question. Because the United States is a close ally of us. They would like to listen to the views of our Chief of General Staff and his friends regarding the military issues and joint security when they visit here. I think it is something positive.''

TURKISH-U.S. RELATIONS DISCUSSED IN ALL DIMENSIONS DURING CHENEY'S CONTACTS
Relations between Turkey and the United States were discussed in all dimensions during the visit of the U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney to Ankara. Cheney pointed out that any military operation on Iraq was regardless of question in the near future, and gave assurances that they would have close consultations with Turkey regarding Iraq issue.
Ecevit's visit to Washington D.C. was brought onto the agenda during the talks. Cheney stressed that Ecevit's visit to the United States showed the importance of bilateral relations in every dimension.
Diplomatic sources described the talks held during Cheney's visit as ''very comprehensive and positive'', and noted that the talks did not focus only on one issue, but that many titles were discussed.
Turkey's full membership to the European Union (EU), Cyprus, European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI), future of NATO, strategic dimension of Turkish-U.S. partnership, economic dimension of relations, importance of Turkish-American Economic Partnership Commission, cooperation in the Causcasus, Middle East and Central Asia were also discussed.
Cheney said during the talks he very well understood the reciprocal support of Turkey and the United States in fight against terrorism.
During the talks where Palestinian-Israeli tension was brought onto the agenda, Cheney briefed about his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
Pointing out that the United States would continue to do its best to contribute to the solution of problem between Israel and Palestine, Cheney said the United States was ready to meet with Arafat in any place of the Middle East to further improve peace process, but that Arafat should take serious steps which will accelarate peace process. Cheney said the United States, in such a case, may exert efforts aiming to protect a possible ceasefire agreement.
Prime Minister Ecevit in his part said Turkey has positive relations both with the Palestinian and the Israeli side, stressing that both sides have confidence in Turkey. Ecevit stressed that Turkey supported every kind of effort that would be exerted for the solution of the problem.
The U.S. side, during the talks, stressed that they were extremely sensitive over the mass destruction weapons, and pointed out that the weapons of Iraq also threaten its neighbours.
Diplomatic sources said Cheney pointed out that there was not plan regarding military operation against Iraq, noting that the United States was extremely serious and determined that Iraqi administration should allow the inspectors.
The same sources said the U.S. side did not want Turkey to give a new suggestion to Iraq in this respect.
Cheney said the United States would be in continious consultation with Turkey regarding Iraq issue.
Pointing out that they appreciated Turkey's candidacy to the commandership of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, Cheney said techical issues in this respect were underway, noting that the United States and Britain focused on their contribution for the definition of mission and its composition not only the tehnical, financial and logicial issues.