May 18, 2013
Secretary of State Colin Powell is taking Turkey to task for delaying the opening of its airspace to U.S. warplanes.
Turkey is demanding that the U.S. agree to let it move troops into northern Iraq in return for using its airspace.
"We don't see any need for any Turkish incursions into northern Iraq," but Powell said.
Speaking at the State Department, Powell said he is trying to work out an agreement on overflights. He also said the U.S. and its allies in the war against Iraq will find "alternative arrangements" if they cannot work out an agreement with Turkey.
Turkey's parliament approved a resolution that allows U.S. overflights, along with the movement of Turkish troops into northern Iraq, where it fears instability.
