Officials said this would mark the third defense summit between Ankara
and Washington in a month. In January, Turkish Deputy Chief of Staff Gen.
Ergin Saygun met U.S. military chiefs. In mid-February, Gen. James
Cartwright, vice chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited Ankara, Middle East Newsline reported.
Gates was expected to discuss Turkey's military invasion of Iraq. He has
called on Ankara to prepare for an early withdrawal.
"I think it's important for everybody to bear in mind the importance of
the sovereignty of Iraq," Gates said on Sunday. "There has been contact at
high levels about this activity that is in northern Iraq right now. I think
that there can always be improvement in the timeliness and in the depth of
the dialogue. It can't be just a one-time event. It needs to be an ongoing
dialogue."
The meetings have focused on heightened Turkish-U.S. military
cooperation, particularly regarding Iraq and Iran. Officials said the
Defense Department and Joint Chiefs of Staff have offered to expand their
relationship with Ankara in exchange for a Turkish pledge not to invade
Iraq.
"I would hope that it would be short, that it would be precise and avoid
the loss of innocent life, and that they leave as quickly as they can
accomplish their mission," Gates said.
Officials said the United States wants to expand its presence at the
Incirlik air force base in southern Turkey. They said the Pentagon also
wants Ankara's permission for U.S. military supplies to move through Turkey
and into Iraq.
"I think there are a lot of opportunities for further cooperation with
Turkey," Gates said.
