Turkey allows Pentagon to survey military bases

Turkey granted permission to the US military yesterday to survey its ports and air bases in preparation for a possible war against Iraq.

The inspections are due to start on Monday and are a first step towards a US military presence in Turkey which could strike northern Iraq.

Turkey, a Nato ally, has been reluctant to support any military operation, especially since polls show that more than 80 per cent of the public is against a war.

The Prime Minister Abdul-lah Gul's approval of the inspections follows repeated reports that the US feels that Turkey has been too slow to approve the use of bases. Turkish generals have warned that delays could harm relations with Washington.

The survey has been delayed over a disagreement on the legal status of the US personnel that would carry out the inspections. Any final approval for the stationing of US troops would have to be endorsed by Turkey's parliament, where it is likely to face serious opposition.

Mr Gul said: "Everything is under control. It is true, I have signed the decision."

The deal was later signed by Turkish and US military officials.