The Turkish parliament is reported to have approved the deployment of 62,000 US soldiers in the country for a possible attack on Iraq.
Parliamentary sources said a total of 264 MPs in the 550-seat house voted in favour of the government motion,while 251 voted against.
Nineteen deputies abstained.
The resolution would also clear the way for despatchingTurkish troops to Iraq in the case of war.
The parliament's decision, which is crucial to US military planners, will pave the way for stationing the 62,000 US soldiers in Turkey to establish a "northern front."
Fearing the economic and political impact of any conflict onits borders, Ankara had been reluctant to agree to any role in the war.
A rejection of the American request would however deprive it of US financial support and any say in the future of northern Iraq.
Agencies