The issues are logistic needs, composition, finance and the mandate

Huseyin Dirioz Foreign Ministry

The UK currently leads the 4,500-strong International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) but is keen to hand over command to another country by the end of April.

Turkey, a member of Nato, was initially enthusiastic when it was suggested as a possible leader, but has since become concerned about the mandate, make-up and costs of heading the force.

"We will see to what extent the answers to these questions can be found," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Huseyin Dirioz.

Changing mandate

Turkey is the sole Muslim country participating in the peacekeeping force, which was deployed to help maintain security after the Taleban was pushed from power.

The mission's mandate is due to expire in June, but there have been suggestions that the force should continue its work after that deadline.

The BBC's Jonny Dymond says Turkey wants to know whether the force is still welcomed by the Afghan government, and to establish how far outside the capital, Kabul, it might be deployed over the next three months.

Ankara is also working to overcome more than a year of a financial crisis, and will be seeking guarantees from the delegates on funding for the force.

The delegates include James Robbins, Washington's special representative to Afghanistan, and David Reddaway, his London counterpart.

Our correspondent says these officials will report back to their governments before any decision is announced.