Bush Administration Speeds Up Studies On Assistance Package To Turkey

WASHINGTON D.C. - Bush administration in the U.S. has speeded up its studies regarding the assistance package it prepares for Turkey in connection with a possible operation against Iraq.
Sources said that the studies have not been completed yet and the dimension of the assistance has not become final.
One of the possibilities that is mentioned in the U.S. Congress is that the U.S. can give an aid worth of 5 billion dollars to Turkey, one billion dollars each year. This package is foreseen to cover direct or indirect military and economic assistance elements and the assistance package has to be approved by the U.S. Congress to become valid.
The American administration sources who had earlier gave information to A.A said that the package was planned to be around 4-6 billion dollars, adding no final decision was taken on it.
One of the topics considered in this scope is inclusion of Turkey to the trade agreement between the U.S. and Israel and the entrance of Turkish products to the U.S. without custom duties. U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney had taken initiative for adoption of the bill on foundation of qualified industry zones in Turkey and as a result the bill was adopted by the Congress.