December 4, 2002	Wednesday	Ramazan 28,1423

ANKARA, Dec 3: Turkey said on Tuesday it was ready to offer use of its air bases to the United States in the event of a war against Iraq, but appeared to rule out a US-led ground offensive across its border against its southeastern neighbour.

“We are prepared to cooperate with the United States,” opening Turkish airspace and offering base facilities to US forces, Turkish Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis told a press conference here following talks with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

However, this would require another resolution by the United Nations, he said.

“First of all we would like to see the Iraqi problem solved without resorting to military force,” he said, adding that “no stone should be left unturned before resorting to a military action”.

“But if it comes to that of course we shall cooperate with the United States because it is a big ally,” he said.

“If we are talking of extensive presence of the American forces in Turkey, we would have difficulties to explain it to Turkish public opinion. But cooperation, yes definitely,” he said, adding that this would include “opening of air space” and “use of facilities in Turkey”.—AFP