Turk Armed Forces Deny Major Iraq Border Build-Up

“There has been no comprehensive build-up or extraordinary measures in the region other than routine preparations for developments that could take place,” the general staff said in its first comment on the issue.
“With the events taking place in our region and the well-known developments it has to be seen as natural for the armed forces to review certain measures and carry out training and exercises,” it said in a statement.

NATO member Turkey is a close ally of the United States and Israel and recently won support from President Bush for its European Union membership candidate.

Although reluctant to countenance any war against Iraq, Muslim Turkey is likely to provide the United States with support. Washington may seek use of airbases and permission to send special forces over the border if it finds Iraq has been concealing chemical, nuclear or biological arms programs.