U.S.: Aid Package Is Not A Response To Turkey's Cooperation With The U.S.

WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. officials said on Wednesday that the aid package which was planned to be sent by the U.S. government to Turkey was not a response to Turkey's cooperation with the United States about the issue of Iraq, but a necessity stemming from close relations between the two countries.
White House Spokesman Ari Fleischer told reporters as U.S. President George W. Bush is leaving for Czech Republic to attend the summit meeting of heads of state and government of NATO members, that the package was a part of long-term relations between Turkey and the United States.
The details of the package has not become clear yet.
U.S. Congress officials say that the package could reach some billions of U.S. dollars in a few years.
Meanwhile, White House Spokesman Sean McCormack gave information about the telephone conversation between U.S. President Bush and Prime Minister Abdullah Gul.
McCormack said that President Bush and Prime Minister Gul defended the same opinion that Turkey should continue implementing the economic programme supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Noting that Turkey's efforts to become a full member of the European Union were also taken up, McCormack added that President Bush invited Prime Minister Gul to Washington D.C.