Turkey offers political asylum to Saddam: report

On the Turkish offer to the Iraqi strongman, Fikret Bila, a columnist with good government connections, was quoted to have said: "Step down to prevent a war, for the future of the Iraqi people. If you take this decision Turkey is ready to make you its guest and provide for your security. Such a step would prevent a war." Milliyet said Iraq had given no answer. But aides to the Turkish prime minister and Foreign Ministry officials had no immediate comment. Turkey, a NATO member, is reluctantly gearing up for a war in neighbouring Iraq that it fears could destabilise the region and damage its own fragile economy. It has tried to lead efforts to avert war, hosting a meeting of regional leaders last month. The country has been cautious in moves towards allowing U.S. access to Turkish bases to prepare for a war. A final parliamentary vote is expected next week. Turkish officials have previously denied any efforts to encourage Saddam to step down