WASHINGTON, Feb 18: The White House served notice on Turkey on Tuesday that it has reached “decision time” on whether to welcome US troops deployed for possible war with Iraq in exchange for an economic assistance package.

Turkey warned earlier that it might stall the move because of a row over how much money Washington is willing to offer to offset economic losses stemming from such a possible conflict.

“We continue to work with Turkey as a friend, but it’s decision time,” said White House spokesman Ari Fleischer. “It’s a matter that I think people can anticipate will be settled one way or another rather soon.”

“We will always respect Turkey as a friend,” he told reporters, but “we recognize that there are some issues that can make leaders angry or lead to splits”.—AFP