Top US military officer says no plans to withdraw weapons from Iraq through Turkey

Top US commander discusses Iraq with Turkey

ANKARA, Turkey — The United States’ top military officer says Washington does not plan to withdraw its weapons from Iraq through Turkey.

Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Saturday the U.S. military has sought Turkish permission to transport some noncombat equipment from Iraq through its territory.

Turkey says it looks favorably on the passage of such equipment and technical material, but not arms, which would require parliament’s approval.

In 2003, Turkey refused to allow U.S. forces to use its territory to invade Iraq.

Mullen said his visit was not aimed at pressuring Turkey — NATO’s sole Muslim member state — to do more in Afghanistan but would welcome any help there.