White House withholds criticism of Turkey
Hoping for a second vote
From Dana Bash
CNN Washington Bureau
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White House spokesman Ari Fleischer: "Turkey is a NATO ally and will always be a NATO ally."
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CNN's Jane Arraf on the U.S. plan to set up base in Turkey. (February 26)
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Bush administration was "surprised" by the Turkish parliament's vote not to allow U.S. troops to use the country for military action against Iraq, but the White House is being very careful not to criticize the country in the hopes that a second vote could reverse the decision.
"Turkey is a NATO ally and will always be a NATO ally," said White House spokesman Ari Fleischer.
The United States and Turkey, he added, are currently "reviewing their options," suggesting that the Bush administration is holding out hope for a breakthrough in the Turkish parliament.
But Fleischer said no matter what the outcome in Turkey, the president is confident the United States would prevail if it decides on military action against Iraq, even without the northern staging area.
"No matter what course Turkey selects, if the president authorizes use of force, no matter which route it takes, there is no doubt it will lead to a successful military outcome," Fleischer said.
Turkey's politicians voted Saturday against a $15 billion U.S. offer to deploy 62,000 troops on Turkish soil in the event of war with Iraq.
Asked about the status of that aid package, Fleischer said, "The United States is reviewing its options. And I think it's impossible to make any judgments beyond that at this time."
Fleischer would not say whether Turkey would lose that multibillion dollar aid package if the U.S. troops are prohibited from the country. But, he said, "Turkey would be adversely affected by the impact of war on a neighboring state. That was part of the consideration, in addition to any expenses incurred" in allowing U.S. troops to use Turkish bases.
The Kuwait Ministry of Defense told CNN that it would welcome troops who were originally meant to go to Turkey. But a ministry spokesman said the ministry has not yet received such a request, which would have to go through formal channels.
