Ankara has offered an exile option to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein if he steps down to prevent a US-led war, a Turkish daily reported on Tuesday.
Milliyet said Turkish Prime Minister, Abdullah Gul had made the offer to Iraqi Vice President, Taha Yasin Ramadan, during a secret visit the latter made to Turkey earlier this month.
Fikret Bila, a leading Turkish columnist with good government connections, said: "Step down to prevent a war, for the future of the Iraqi people. If you take this decision Turkey is ready to make you its guest and provide for your security. Such a step would prevent a war." Milliyet said Baghdad had given no answer.
On his part, Gul denied the report. "No, no," Gul responded when reporters asked him about this report. (Albawaba.com)
