ANKARA - State Minister Ali Babacan said on Wednesday that the six billion dollars package was not on the table for the moment, adding ''we don't know what will happen within a few days.''
Responding to questions of A.A correspondent about the motion, Babacan said that the economic package which was earlier discussed with the U.S. was valid in case of a full military cooperation, reminding that the U.S. side only wanted to use the airspace at this stage.
Babacan said that ''the six-billion dollars package is not on the table for the moment, but we don't know what kind of developments will take place and what kind of demands will be made within a few days.''
Assessing the fluctuations in the markets, Babacan said that ''these are normal due to the news telling that the package will be transferred to Turkey or not. Important developments take place and the Americans are also at the stage of taking important decisions.''
Babacan said that ''last night around 02.00 a.m., Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell by phone. For the moment, they demand to use the airspace urgently.''
''Will a new package be in question?'' asked journalists to Babacan who said ''this will be discussed. Developments take place very rapidly.''
Responding to a question if the six-billion dollars package was valid now, Babacan said that ''no, it is not for the moment. But we don't know what kind of developments will take place and what kind of demands will be made.''
Babacan stressed that the studies regarding the additional letter of intent were about to be finished and they would send it soon after signing it.
(ÖS-AÖ) 19.03.2003