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NATO Diplomat: Agreement to Protect Turkey Expected 'Monday or Tuesday' - 2003-02-15


A diplomatic source at NATO says members of the alliance are likely to reach a compromise "Monday or Tuesday" about protective measures for Turkey in the event of war in neighboring Iraq.

News agencies report that an unidentified diplomat made the comment on Saturday at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Since Monday, NATO members Germany, France and Belgium have blocked U-S proposals to begin military planning to defend Turkey -- the only member state that borders Iraq. The move plunged the 19-member alliance into one of the most serious crises in its 54-year history.

The three countries say military planning would signal approval for possible U-S-led military action against Iraq and could hinder efforts to achieve a diplomatic solution. But Turkey says the alliance treaty requires members to come to its aid, if it comes under threat from a third country.

On Friday, Turkey's Foreign Minister Yasir Yakis said he expects NATO to rally to his country's defense in the event of an attack by Iraq.

Mr. Yakis made the comment after talks with President Bush at the White House.

The Turkish minister said he also discussed possible U-S economic aid to Turkey to counter the impact of instability in the region in the event of military operations in Iraq.

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