ANKARA - Prime Minister Abdullah Gul returned late on Monday to Turkey after wrapping up his contacts in Davos and Strasbourg.
Gul told a press conference at the airport that they had to be prepared against the worst conditions regarding Iraqi issue.
''We have agreed to be very elastic in estimation of damages,'' Gul said.
Noting that he held bilateral contacts in Davos, Gul said that one of his most important contact was his meeting with U.S. State Secretary Colin Powell.
Gul stated that they took up Iraqi issue during his meeting with Powell which lasted one and a half hours.
His meeting with Gul was beneficial, Gul said.
Gul pointed out that the last initiative launched by Turkey regarding Iraq drew great interest in Davos and stressed that this initiative aiming to find peace to the issue without any need for a war was appreciated.
He proceeded to Strasbourg after wrapping up contacts in Davos and made a speech at the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (COEPA), Gul said.
Gul noted, ''former president Turgut Ozal went there in 1988 the latest. Nobody went there after that date. Therefore, this visit was important.''
Turkey was criticized by the COE for long years and faced unjust criticisms, Gul stated.
However, he said, the point reached at the moment was pleasing.
Gul stressed that Turkey's accomplishments and steps of the government in democratization were appreciated and Turkey was supported.
His visit was beneficial and in line with the interests of Turkey, Gul said.
When a reporter said that he had announced that they reached a compromise on a package during their contacts with the United States and asked about the content, Gul said, ''there should not be any misunderstanding. What we have done is this: Turkey is affected by the Iraqi crisis in any case. It suffered significant economic loss in the Gulf War. We are holding several contacts not to face such negative developments again. Military, politics and economy are being taken up altogether during contacts with the United States.''
Gul continued, ''there was not any promise or agreement till today. There is nothing final. There is an agreement on the method. But, it is not clear what the cost will be in the event of a war. It is not known how long a war will last if a war erupts. These are the worst scenarios that we never wish to happen.''
''However, we have to be prepared against the worst conditions. Therefore, we have agreed to be very elastic in estimation of damages. Second, a quick implementation will take place. There is an agreement on such a method,'' Gul added.
Upon a question, Gul said that a visit to Baghdad was not in question.
Asked if an invitation was made to Turkey for the meeting of U.S. President George W. Bush with regional countries till the end of this week, Gul said, ''we are here at the moment. We are ready to make every contribution to avoid a war.''