Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3/03/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / TURKEY UPDATE (S)

NUMBER=2-300275

BYLINE= PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE= WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

///EDS: UPDATES CR 2-300261 TO INCLUDE FLEISCHER ACT///

INTRO: The White House says both Ankara and Washington are reviewing their options following the vote in the Turkish parliament to reject the deployment of U-S troops. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports the Bush administration had planned to use those forces to invade northern Iraq in the event of war.

TEXT: White House spokesman Ari Fleischer concedes the close vote took both the Bush administration and the Turkish government by surprise.

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The vote is a disappointment because the president thinks it is very important for the world to join together to disarm Saddam Hussein.

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He acknowledges that a military operation against Iraq would be complicated by the lack of basing rights in Turkey. He says it is the preferable route to get forces into northern Iraq, but not the only route.

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One thing is for certain. And that is if the President of the United States makes the determination that force must be used to disarm Saddam Hussein, whatever route is taken, the ultimate military mission will remain successful.

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Mr. Fleischer also downplays any possible long-term damage to U-S Turkish relations, saying Turkey remains a key NATO ally. (Signed)

NEB/PW/MAR