ANKARA, March 21, 2003

Turkey has agreed to allow U.S. aircraft to fly over its territory for a

war with Iraq, a Turkish military official said.

Two air corridors will be opened for the U.S. aircraft, the official

said, speaking on customary condition of anonymity.

The U.S. flights will begin immediately, a private Turkish television

station reported. A Turkish military official said two air corridors

will be opened for the U-S aircraft.

There was no confirmation at the State Department or by other U.S.

officials.

[But here’s where it gets interesting–emphasis mine.]

Turkey had delayed opening its airspace to U.S. warplanes, insisting the

United States agree to its demands to move troops into northern Iraq.

Secretary of State Colin Powell chided Turkey for dragging its feet on

the issue, saying “we don’t see any need for any Turkish incursions into northern Iraq.” It was not immediately known if the U.S. had granted Turkey this concession.

Allowing Turkish troops in northern Iraq would bring them into conflict with Kurdish guerillas there, reports CBS News Correspondent Allen

Pizzey. The Kurds say they would welcome U.S. troops, but Turks would

only be welcome if they were also under U.S. Control….”