Turkey may help U.S. withdraw troops from Iraq?

PanARMENIAN.Net - There have been signals coming from Ankara that not only US troops but also their arms may be allowed to be transported via Turkish soil, i.e., via the İncirlik air base in the country's south, Turkish government sources have said.

"If we are going to make a fresh start in our relations with the US, then Turkey has to act positively. This means that Ankara is ready to talk with the US about both the passage of American troops and arms via Turkish soil. But this does not mean that Turkey will accept all US requests," said the same sources, speaking to Today's Zaman on condition of anonymity. As a reflection of a new period in Turkish-US relations under President Barack Obama, Ankara is prepared to talk with Washington without any prejudice and in a positive mood, said the same sources.



President Obama announced recently that most American troops would be withdrawn from Iraq by August 2010. Around 35,000 US troops are expected to stay in Iraq to aid with training, civilian protection and counterterrorism.