ANKARA - These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on February 9, 2003. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)
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MEMORANDUM WITH UNITED STATES
A memorandum of understanding on modernization of bases and ports was signed between Turkey and the United States. There will be construction in bases and ports during the Feast of Sacrifice. Under the memorandum, supremacy of Turkish laws and regulations were confirmed. U.S. soldiers can be tried by Turkish courts in case of any criminal offense.

SNOW AND ICY ROADS DURING FEAST
There will be heavy snowfall in the northern and eastern parts of Turkey during the Feast of Sacrifice. Snowfall, cold weather and icy roads will be influential throughout Turkey. Meteorology officials asked the concerned officials and citizens to be careful and cautious especially when driving.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)
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COMMANDER CRISIS
Turkish Armed Forces showed harsh reaction to proposal of Washington ''that Turkish soldiers in Iraq should be under control of a U.S. commander.'' Here is the response of Turkish Armed Forces to this proposal: ''The mission there closely concerns Turkey's security. There is also terrorist organization PKK existence. This is not a NATO operation. Turkish soldiers who will be in mission there can only be under the command of Turkish Armed Forces.'' The United States insists on this issue because Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Massoud Barzani does not want entrance of Turkish soldiers in the region and demand that Turkish soldiers should be under the control of a U.S. commander if it is to enter the region. However, Turkey does not even welcome co-commandership formula. It says, ''this should be only in the sub-level.''

''IT CAN'T BE MADE WITHOUT IMF''
U.S. Treasury Undersecretary John Taylor left Turkey after he wrapped up bargaining on ''a package of support.'' Compromise was reached on the frame of the package comprised of many alternatives. Relations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also came onto the agenda during the bargaining. The U.S. delegation headed by Taylor gave the message to Turkish delegation headed by State Minister Ali Babacan that sensitivity of international markets about Turkey would increase in the event of a war. Taylor told Turkey that it had to complete fourth review with the IMF. Taylor said markets would differentiate a Turkey which had problems with IMF from a Turkey which did not have any problems with the IMF during a war time as during the peaceful days.

SABAH (LIBERAL)
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GUARANTEE IS OBLIGATORY
A clear attitude from the Prime Minister: ''If our economic losses are not taken under guarantee, we will hardly pass motions from parliament.'' Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said that realizing what Turkey's losses would be in case of an operation against Iraq was obligatory. Gul noted that the U.S. administration had to be sensitive about those losses. On the motions which will be submitted to parliament after the Feast of Sacrifice, Gul said, ''I have to have a strong agreement in hand before I meet with the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) group. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to get their consent.''

LIFE PARALYZED IN ISTANBUL
Snowfall which continued in Istanbul during the night paralyzed daily life. Traffic was blocked in some districts. Many traffic accidents occurred in the city.

THREE AIRPORTS TO BE CLOSED TO CIVILIANS
After the parliament decision and signing of the memorandum of understanding, Adana, Gaziantep and Batman airports which may be used as a base during a possible U.S. operation against Iraq will be closed to civilian transportation. This decision is planned to be put into practice after the Feast of Sacrifice.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)
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MEMORANDUM SIGNED WITH UNITED STATES
Modernization of bases in Turkey for an operation against Iraq will start during the Feast of Sacrifice. A total of 4 thousand U.S. soldiers will start to come to Turkey as of tomorrow.

PRIME MINISTER WARNS SADDAM
Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, addressing the nation, reiterated their warning to Iraq. Commenting on the decision regarding a possible war as ''they were preparing for a future Turkey'', Gul said, ''our country is against mass destructive weapons. Peace should be based on concrete facts as well as war. Saddam Hussein should take the steps which will bring peace till the very end. But, unavoidable moment can come.''

RADIKAL (LEFT)
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FROM ANKARA TO BAGHDAD: ''YOU HAVE ONLY ONE WEEK OF TIME''
It was revealed that the Foreign Ministry sent a new message to Baghdad on February 7: ''You should overcome deficiencies put forth in the report of the weapons inspectors. Situation can change on February 14.''

GUL ADDRESSES NATION: ''WE WILL NOT ENTER WAR''
Prime Minister Abdullah Gul addressed the nation, ''our soldiers will not enter a war. We have not taken a decision to allow foreign troops in Turkey yet. We will try everything for peace. But, we have to be prepared for unfavorable developments.''

TURKIYE (RIGHT)
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FLIGHTS CANCELLED
Heavy snowfall affected air traffic seriously. Planes en route to Istanbul were directed to Ankara, western Izmir and southeastern Antalya provinces. Some flights were cancelled.

STRAIT CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
Istanbul Strait was closed to traffic to avoid possible accidents that may occur due to heavy storm in the Black Sea.

IRAQ PLAN READY
Health Minister Recep Akdag said that Turkey's plan regarding health services which would be put into practice in case of a possible U.S. operation against Iraq was ready. Akdag noted, ''there is no need to be alert.''

WASHINGTON AND ANKARA AGREE, 38 THOUSAND U.S. SOLDIERS COMING
Details of Turkey's contributions to a possible U.S. operation against Iraq had become definite. Allowing U.S. soldiers in Turkey will become clear after a motion is debated on February 18. Before this date, only the technical team can come to Turkey for modernization of bases.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)
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''HUMAN SHIELD'' GROUP WANTS TO START MIGRATION TO EAST
A total of 80 peace volunteers from 40 countries who met in Istanbul to protect civilian targets in Iraq in case of an operation, announced that their aim was to start a migration from the west to the east. Tolga Temuge, one of the members of the group, claimed that Turkish government was under the influence of the United States.

TOURISM HAS NOT YET BEEN AFFECTED BY IRAQI CRISIS
The number of tourists visiting Turkey increased by 18.3 percent to 362 thousand 657 in January 2003 when compared with January 2002. A statement of the Tourism Ministry said that the number of tourists visiting Turkey in January 2002 was 306 thousand 602. The number of visitors from Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) rose by 39.6 percent while the increase in visitors from East European countries was 5.1 percent in January.