Turkish Leader Considers U.S. Troop Stay

The United States is looking to base tens of thousands of soldiers in Turkey for a possible northern front against Iraq. Diplomats say the approval must come this week if U.S. war plans are not to be disrupted. Parliament recesses next week for an Islamic holiday. Turkey’s government has been dragging its feet, fearing a war could disrupt the nation’s economic recovery or destabilize the region. The United States wants to upgrade several military sites in Turkey, a staging point for air raids during the 1991 Gulf War, for possible use in a war.
"We might have to send a second proposal to parliament on the issue of troops," the daily Hurriyet quoted Gul as saying.
The United States reportedly has asked Turkey for permission to base up to 80,000 soldiers in Turkey to open a northern front against Iraq. But Turkey’s leaders reportedly have asked Washington to scale back its request to some 20,000.
Gul’s party holds a strong majority in parliament. The party openly says it opposes a war, but lawmakers are expected to eventually give in to U.S. demands to host some troops.
Hurriyet Monday quoted Baykal, leader of the only other party in parliament, as saying that U.S. soldiers should not be stationed in Turkey for a war.