Leader of Turkish ruling party meets Bush

Описание: (10 Dec 2002)

1. Mid view President Bush and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan
2. Cutaway of US National Security Adviser, Condoleezza Rice
3. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush, U.S. President
"We join you side by side in your desire to become a member of the European Union. We appreciate your friendship in NATO. You are a strategic ally and friend of the United States and we look forward to working with you to keep the peace."
4. Cutaway of U.S. Secretary of State, Colin Powell
5. SOUNDBITE: (Turkish, English translation) Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish leader
"Undoubtedly we see our bid for European Union membership as the most important modernisation project of our country since the establishment of the Republic. And this will serve as a great jumpstart, an enhancement for democracy. This week is a very important one for us."
6. Close-up of Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz
7. Two shot of Bush and Erdogan
8. Pan shot of Erdogan leaving White House
9. Cutaway of reporters
10. SOUNDBITE: (Turkish, English translation) Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish leader
"A while ago, the meeting we had with the President, was especially on Turkey's bid for European Union membership. They informed us about their talks with the Germans, French and Dutch, among others. In addition, we spoke about our mutual work on democracy freedoms and we discussed what had to be done on that. They indicated their interest in Turkey and the Turkish people."
11. Cutaway of reporters
12. SOUNDBITE: (Turkish, English translation) Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish leader
"In reality, the most important issue is peace and how to find a peaceful solution. When I return, I am going to discuss this with the Prime Minister. I know that the prime minister ... we are going to make the necessary considerations and come up with the necessary decision."
13. Wide shot of Erdogan speaking to reporters

STORYLINE:

United States President George W Bush pledged on Tuesday to help Turkey join the European Union, leaving unspoken his desire to gain access to Turkish military bases for a possible war against Iraq.

In a meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, leader of Turkey's new ruling political party, Bush said he would stand "side by side" with Turkey as it seeks EU status.

Afterwards, Bush told reporters that his administration was working hard on Turkey's behalf.

Erdogan welcomed Bush's support, and pointedly said he hopes it wouldn't subside.

In a sign of the administration's intensive courting of Turkey's cooperation in any war against Iraq, Bush joined a scheduled meeting between Erdogan and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.

The White House invited reporters to listen for the first few minutes of the meeting.

Erdogan is also due to meet Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Use of Turkish military bases just north of Iraq could prove vital if Bush wages war against Saddam Hussein.

Turkey, in turn, badly needs Bush's backing in advance of the EU summit this week to discuss expansion.

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