Powell: Erdogan’s visit will boost relations

Speaking at a Department of State press conference, Powell said that developments in Iraq, including those involving the terrorist Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), would be among the issues to be discussed during Erdogan’s visit.

Turkey is a good friend and an ally, said Powell, while noting there were some problems last year between the countries. The Turkish Parliament’s vote refusing the U.S. permission to deploy troops in Turkey was a particular disappointment, said Powell.

A few months ago the Turkish government again had a hard decision to make, according to Powell, when the U.S. request for a Turkish troop deployment to Iraq was granted by Parliament. The Turkish troop deployment was later canceled by the United States due to unfavorable conditions inside Iraq.

What was really important was that they knew Turkey was with them, said Powell. He said the United States wants to help Turkey with its problems, adding they would like to work together with Turkey on trying to find a solution on Cyprus based on the Annan plan. He said the United States would also be working together with the European Union member-countries as Turkey gets closer to becoming an EU member.