Turkey, which is a key supply route to US troops in Iraq, recalled its ambassador to Washington and warned of serious repercussions if the US Congress labels the killing of Armenians by Turks a century ago as genocide.
Ordered after a committee in the US House of Representatives endorsed the genocide measure, Thursday's summons of the ambassador for consultations was a further sign of the deteriorating relations between two longtime allies and the potential for new turmoil in an already troubled region.
Egeman Bagis, an aide to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, told Turkish media that Turkey -- a conduit for many of the supplies shipped to US bases in both Iraq and Afghanistan -- might have to "cut logistical support to the US."
Analysts also have speculated the resolution could make Turkey more inclined to send troops into northern Iraq to hunt Kurdish rebels, a move opposed by the US because it would disrupt one of the few relatively stable and peaceful Iraqi areas.
"There are steps that we will take," Turkey's prime minister told reporters, but without elaboration.
It also wasn't clear if he meant his government would act immediately or wait to see what happens to the resolution in Congress.
He declined to answer questions about whether Turkey might shut down Incirlik air base in southern Turkey, a major cargo hub for US and allied military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Turkey's Mediterranean port of Iskenderun is also used to ferry goods to US troops.
The measure before Congress is a nonbinding resolution without the force of law, but the debate has incensed Turkey.
But Turkey has a lot to lose from cutting ties to the US.
The US is one of its major business partners, with US$11 billion in trade last year, and the US defense industry provides much of the Turkish military's equipment.
Turkey's ambassador in Washington, Nabi Sensoy, was ordered home for discussions with the Turkish leadership about what is happening in Congress, Foreign Minister spokesman Levent Bilman said. He said Sensoy would go back after seven to 10 days.
"We are not withdrawing our ambassador. We have asked him to come to Turkey for some consultations," Bilman said.
Meanwhile, Erdogan said yesterday that Turkey would be ready to pay the price of any Iraq campaign if it decides to stage a cross-border offensive against Kurdish rebels in Iraq.
"If such an option is chosen, whatever its price it will be paid," Erdogan told reporters in response to a question about international repercussions of such a decision, which is likely to strain ties with the US and Iraq.
The Cabinet will once again debate a decision to seek parliament's approval to send troops abroad, Erdogan said.
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