IZMIT - National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul said on Saturday that any U.S. pressure on Turkey for a possible operation against Iraq, was regardless of question, stressing that, ''there is nothing like involvement of Turkey in a possible war. Also, there is not a demand in this respect.''
Gonul responded to the questions of reporters.
When a journalist asked, ''what is the clear attitude of Turkey regarding possible Iraqi war'' and whether or not there was U.S. pressure, Gonul said, ''any U.S. pressure for a possible operation against Iraq is out of question. Furthermore, the issue that there would be an armed intervention on Iraq at the moment does not depend on real data, because we are at the stage of implementation of Resolution no: 1441 of the United Nations Security Council. Following the report that the weapon inspectors would give on January 27, some other decision can be taken in the U.N. platforms. However, an armed intervention on Iraq at the moment is out of question, and there is not pressure on Turkey at the moment. There is only U.S. demand regarding partial support, from NATO.''
When asked whether or not keeping the Parliament out of decision was in question in case the decision for war becomes definite, or starting of war, Gonul said, ''we have Article 92. Government will implement it when necessary. Taking a decision for war is out of question here. However, in case conditions requiring implementation of Article 92 appear, then of course this would be brought onto the Parliament.''
Responding to a question about relations between the United States and Turkey regarded with possible Iraqi war, Gonul said, ''diplomatic relations with the United States continue. Necessary talks are being held. Our country makes its plans against every possibility.''
When asked about the examination of the U.S. delegation in air bases and ports, Gonul, ''the government has given them permission for site survey. There are currently activities.''