Dirioz: Relations Between Turkey And The United States Are Not Based On Conflict Scenarios

ANKARA - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Spokesman Huseyin Dirioz said on Saturday, ''relations between Turkey and the United States are not based on conflict scenarios. There is a cooperation relation between the two allied countries.''
When asked, ''in their recent statements, U.S. officials said that the United States would not allow Turkey to enter northern Iraq on its own during a possible military action against Iraq. What will you say?'' Dirioz said, ''the relations between Turkey and the United States are not based on conflict scenarios. The United States wants to cooperate with Turkey on the Iraq issue. A compromise has been reached. Making such statements through the press damages essence of our alliance and cooperation relation.''
''Turkey will continue acting in line with its national interests. Turkey will continue to develop its policy about northern Iraq by protecting interests of friendly Iraqi people including Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen and other ethnic groups. Therefore, there is not need to be worried about Turkey's intentions,'' he added.
(UK) 09.03.2003