Ruling party leader Mr Tayyip Erdogan was installed as Turkish prime minister yesterday, keeping US hopes alive that Turkey might approve deployment of US troops for an invasion of Iraq.
But outgoing foreign minister Mr Yasar Yakis indicated that any parliamentary vote on the US troop deal would only occur after a government vote of confidence, meaning a motion was unlikely to be presented until late next week at the earliest.
There is also no guarantee that such a plan, if submitted, would be approved.
"After a vote of confidence is taken I believe the prime minister will learn the leanings of deputies in the party and he will make a decision about whether it is appropriate or not to send the motion to parliament," Mr Yakis told reporters.
Mr Erdogan, who backed a failed attempt to win parliamentary approval for US troops two weeks ago, presented a cabinet list to President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. Mr Sezer approved the line-up, formally establishing Mr Erdogan as premier with full powers. The move followed a day of confusion likely to have dismayed US officials, who see time running out for a decision on troops. Mr Erdogan first said he might set up his government yesterday, then declared he would not see Mr Sezer, then finally presented his list in late afternoon.
The uncertainty unsettled financial markets, but Mr Erdogan joked to reporters about the "surprise" he had sprung on them. The US, which sees a northern front launched from Turkey as key to speeding victory over Baghdad by forcing it to fight on two fronts, has been pressing Ankara for a decision as its troops mass in the Gulf for action that could be days away.
President Bush sent a letter to Mr Erdogan on Thursday seeking swift clarification. Mr Erdogan also discussed Iraq with Vice President Mr Dick Cheney.
The US could yet abandon plans to use Turkish soil. If so, Turkey would forfeit a vital multi-billion dollar aid package to shield it against the economic impact of war. - (Reuters)