Yakis: We Are Working For Approval Of The Decision

WASHINGTON D.C. - Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis, who is currently in the United States on an official visit, responded a question whether or not the motion about deployment of U.S. soldiers in Turkey would be brought onto parliamentary agenda on February 18, ''we do not focus on the date. We are working for approval of the decision. Therefore, we are cooperating with the United States.''
Addressing journalists after his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, Yakis said, ''we have been preparing an appropriate atmosphere for approval of the decision. We expect approval of the decision independently from the date. We have been holding talks with U.S. officials on every issue.''
Replying a question, Yakis told reporters that a meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush was possible and officials were trying to arrange a meeting.
Noting that Turkish and U.S. delegations had been continuing to hold talks at the U.S. State Department, Yakis said, ''strategic cooperation between Turkey and the United States has spread to a large area. Our countries rely on each other.''
Responding a question about the United States aid package to Turkey, Yakis said that talks about the package had been continuing.
When asked whether or not Turkey sought written memorandum, Yakis said, ''since the both side have the good will, we can reach a memorandum. We want to take a sound decision. We don't want Turkey to have an accident.''
When asked whether or not Iraq war was inevitable, Yakis said, ''we have given priority to peace. The United States has also given priority to peace. We hope that a war would not be experienced.''
Responding a question about the crisis in NATO about defense support to Turkey, Yakis said, ''if a compromise could not be reached in NATO about defense of Turkey, Turkey can sign bilateral agreements on its defense.''
When asked whether or not crisis in NATO disappointed Turkey, Yakis said, ''we believe that recent developments have a negative impact on NATO's reliability. These developments do not have any important impact on Turkey's defense and security.''
When asked whether or not the United States made a request to deploy 80 thousand soldiers in Turkey, Yakis said, ''this number was mentioned earlier. However, another arrangement was made later.''
When asked whether or not Turkish soldiers would enter Northern Iraq, Yakis told reporters, ''we have been taking measures to prevent any undesirable situation.''
Meanwhile, State Minister Ali Babacan for Treasury held talks with Assistant Secretary of State Alan Larson for Economic and Business Affairs and U.S. Treasury Undersecretary John Taylor.