US Requests Turkish Troops for Iraq

Ankara witnessed a flurry of activity yesterday as this development was intensively discussed. In response to a question asking whether or not the United States had requested troops from Turkey, Sahin said, "Yes, they have." Gonul, however, explained that it was a non-diplomatic, non-written request and that the needs of the U.S. were in the areas of Arabic-speaking nuclear experts and military and medical assistance. The minister said: "Would we send military, transportation, medical aid, computer experts and communications personnel? These are the basic questions."

Responding to a question regarding news of the U.S. request for a multinational power to be established in Iraq, Gul, noting that they had not yet received such a request, said, "If they do, we will consider it."