ANKARA - U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Robert Pearson said on Wednesday that he thought that Turkey and the United States would reach agreement regarding issues on a possible operation against Iraq.
Pearson replied to questions of reporters following his meeting with Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal.
Stating that he and Ziyal had a beneficial meeting, Pearson said that he conveyed views of Washington to Ziyal.
Pearson stated that Ziyal also conveyed views of Turkey to him at the meeting.
Noting that he hoped that Turkey and the United States could reach a solution regarding the issue, Pearson said that it was not possible for him to explain details of the issue to reporters because those issues should be discussed in atmosphere of secrecy and security.
When asked whether he brought response to economic expectations of Turkey, he said that he could not explain details of the issue and added that but both sides were working hard on the issue.
Upon another question on sending of motions to the parliament this week, Pearson said that time had a critical importance for the United States.
Stating that timetable of the United States would be determined by U.S. President George Bush, Pearson said that agreement would be reached as soon as possible and added that they were working for it.
Asked whether Ankara gave response to demands of Washington, Pearson said that meetings continued well and noted that he hoped that they would overcome obstacles in economic, military and political fields.
When asked whether commitments of the United States to Turkey would be written or not, Pearson said that meetings continued and added that if there was an agreement, it would be a written document.
(EÖ-AÖ) 19.02.2003