ANKARA (A.A) - 16.07.2002 - U.S. Under Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz openly declared his government's determination to overthrow Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein during a meeting with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.
Wolfowitz said that the Saddam regime was a threat for the region and his government was resolved to change this. He asked for the Turkish government's views on this matter.
During the meetings, the Turkish side listed a number of concerns about a possible regime change in Iraq and stated that an independent Kurdish state was unacceptable for Turkey. Turkish government officials told Wolfowitz that the Iraqi people should decide on the new administration and Turcomen's rights should be taken under guarantee in this new government.
Sources said that Wolfowitz's statements regarding a regime change in Iraq were more clearer than U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney.
Ecevit also told Wolfowitz that a possible U.S. operation against Iraq would have a very negative effect on Turkish economy. He also conveyed Turkey's concern about the emerging of an independent Kurdish state as a result of this operation.
Wolfowitz said his country would carry out this operation against Iraq whether or not Turkey participates in this operation.
Palestine, the latest situation in Afghanistan and the economic cooperation between Turkey and the United States were other topics discussed during the meeting. The Turkish side asked the United States to cancel or postpone its 6 billion U.S. dollar military debts and Wolfowitz only listened and nodded to Turkey's demand.
The Turkish side also expressed its discontent regarding the 228 million U.S. dollar which is still waiting an approval from the U.S. Congress to be given to Turkey which took over the ISAF's command.
The U.S. side did not bring up Turkey's taking over the ISAF's command also in the new term.