ANKARA - Democratic Left Party (DSP) leader and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Tuesday that he was hopeful about the progress report that the European Union (EU) would announce on Wednesday.
Ecevit attended a ceremony to introduce DSP's ''Information Society Bus'' and later he answered questions of reporters.
When recalled of the news that the United States wanted to have its land troops reach Iraq via Turkey in a possible operation, Ecevit said that he had not received such an information yet.
Responding another question, Ecevit said that there had not been a new development about a possible operation against Iraq.
When asked whether or not the U.S. administration had made concrete demands, Ecevit said, ''no. There has not been concrete information yet but if the United States launch a military operation against Iraq, it may be inevitable for us to protect us from effects of such an operation although we don't want any war in our region. So we have been defending that such an operation should not be launched. At the moment, there is not a concrete thing that I can say.''
When asked about his supposition about timing of operation, Ecevit said that he did not have such an information and he could not make a supposition.
''I suppose that also the U.S. administration does not have information. Because they clearly state that they have not completed preparations and taken a decision yet. Besides, Mr. Bush from time to time makes statements and some expressions which mean 'Iraq can be saved if Saddam administration complies with specific rules'. So I cannot make a definite statement. Actually, the U.S. administration is a pluralist administration and has different thought in itself. So we are waiting with concern,'' he said.
When recalled of Saddam Hussein's message that he would not quit and when asked whether or not he would make recommendations to Saddam about this issue, Ecevit said that Saddam would not have the right to make such a statement.
Ecevit said that they had been conveying their recommendation to Iraqi administration about determination of factors that satisfy world public opinion.
Responding a question which said, ''a part of the EU's progress report for Turkey leaked to press. What do you think about it?'' Ecevit said, ''as you know that the report will be announced tomorrow. It is not true to say something before seeing it. I am hopeful about the report.''
When recalled of his statement about his withdrawal from politics, Ecevit said, ''first of all, I will not withdraw from politics. I can quit as the DSP leader. I said this earlier. As I said that everybody sees it necessary to withdraw from politics and resign from post after a certain age. I don't feel the need for it in regard to my health. I trust my party. I believe that my friends would set up a healthy party administration. My wife Rahsan Ecevit and I will see it our duty to make every contribution to the party.''