Bush Thanks Turkey for Help in Possible Iraq War

VOA ^ | 2/6/2003 | Scott Stearns

[a_Turk]

President Bush Thursday thanked Turkey for allowing U.S. soldiers to upgrade military facilities in the country ahead of possible action against neighboring Iraq. The Bush administration is continuing its diplomatic push to rally international support against Iraq.

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says President Bush welcomed the vote allowing U.S. army engineers to renovate facilities at Turkish military bases.

Many Turkish parliament members spoke out against helping Washington prepare for possible military action in Iraq. But Thursday they voted to allow U.S. soldiers to improve ports and airports that might be used as part of that attack.

Mr. Fleischer says the vote shows Turkey's resolve to force Iraq to comply with U.N. inspectors searching for weapons of mass destruction.

"Turkey is a stalwart friend and a staunch NATO ally. The Turkish government is facing up to difficult issues in a serious and conscientious way," he said.

Mr. Fleischer says President Bush will continue to work closely with the Turkish government to assure that Iraq complies with U.N. resolutions designed to remove suspected stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons.

With more than 100,000 U.S. troops in the region, President Bush says he will lead his own coalition to disarm Iraq if the United Nations fails to act.

Leading-up to a possible decision on the use of military force, the Bush administration is continuing its diplomatic push against Iraq a day after Secretary of State Colin Powell told the U.N. Security Council that Iraq is hiding illegal weapons and helping terrorists.

Mr. Fleischer says that diplomatic case is finding "increasing numbers" of supporters as the president continues to consult with world leaders.

Ten central and eastern European nations Wednesday issued a declaration supporting the U.S. drive to disarm Iraq. Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia called on the Security Council to take action in response to what they called Iraq's continuing threat to international peace and security.

Mr. Fleischer says the president appreciates their support. "The people of Eastern Europe know well the dangers and risks of allowing tyranny to go unchallenged, and they stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of the United States. The president is proud to have their support," he said.

All ten of the European nations that signed-on to the declaration are candidates to join the NATO alliance. They said Secretary of State Powell has presented "compelling evidence" that Iraq is violating U.N. resolutions.

[a_Turk]

You're welcome Mr. President, and good luck.

[Sparta]

Where does Serbia stand on the war with Iraq? Could it be that Turkey and Albania, the Al-Qaeda stronghold in Europe, are better allies than Serbia? I'm just shocked I tell you. Remember according to some, Turkey and Albania are enemies of the US and Serbia is a great ally.

[xJones]

"Turkey is a stalwart friend and a staunch NATO ally. The Turkish government is facing up to difficult issues in a serious and conscientious way," he said.

Compared to France or Germany, Turkey looks like like a first-rate ally.

Of course, comparing France or Germany to anything is not exactly a compliment, but you get the point. :)

[motherof 3]

When my kids left home I was always going to go to France. Now, I think I will go to Turkey instead.

[Dog Gone]

I dunno. I guess I'm still not used to a world where Albania is on our side. For years, they were the North Korea of Europe.

Perhaps I'm showing my age...

[TomB]

Thank you Turkey.

I heard the Phillipines are on board as of today.

How may countries does that make now for our "unilateral" action?

[SpookBrat]

"When my kids left home I was always going to go to France. Now, I think I will go to Turkey instead."

Go to Turkey. You'll love it.

Thank you Turkey.

Çok tesekkur ederim!

[wimpycat]

Thank you Turkyei!

[a_Turk]

Albanians had been under a brutal communist dictatorship all throughout the cold war. They've been dirt poor all through their miserable 20th century, and are thankful to you for your assistance in securing their lives.

Reach out to them. They're tough as nails. Don't blow it :)

[a_Turk]

http://www.exploreturkey.com

I have a few links on my profile page which you might find interesting..

[a_Turk]

>> How may countries does that make now for our "unilateral" action?

Let me get my glasses :)

[a_Turk]

I hope all goes well in the next (troop) vote. I think we'll be alright..

[SpookBrat]

Insallah

(I need a Turkish key board).

[Consort]

[McGavin999]

Thank you Turkey. We always remember our friends, and, since none of us will be going to France or Germany on our vacations, looks like Turkey will be the perfect place to go instead.

[a_Turk]

And it's inexpensive since it's not in the EU. You'll have a blast!

[Bahbah]

It was a long day and I'm tired, but I want to take time to say thank you to our friends in Turkey. This is so much appreciated.

[saxxa]

thank - you TURKEY.....we don'nt forget.....DOWN WITH SADDAM!!!

[foreshadowed at waco]

I saw an interview on The Wall Street Opinion Journal on CNBC about 3 months ago (the show has since been cancelled)...they were discussing Turkey and how the Turks, the Brits, and the Americans were NATO since they were the only countries with any real military capability...I hope that the French, Germans, and the Belgians stop stalling and let troops deploy to Turkey for defensive purposes in the event of an Iraq war.