The US needs Turkish bases to open up a northern front in an Iraq attack

Government spokesman Abdullatif Sener said that the measure, agreed after a lengthy cabinet meeting, would be sent to the Turkish parliament later on Monday and a vote would be expected on Tuesday.

"An important part of our ministers did not find the developments satisfactory, but after negotiations, the decision of sending the authorisation to the parliament was made," he said.

"It was decided that delaying the motion will not be very healthy under the current circumstances."

If parliament approves the deployment, it will enable the US to put troops, tanks and aeroplanes inside Turkey along Iraq's northern border.

The US welcomes the move, saying they were pleased with the actions taken by the Turkish Government to date.

"There are still some additional 't's to be crossed and 'i's to be dotted," White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said in Washington.

"We'll of course look forward to a vote in the Turkish parliament as well," he said.

Guarantees sought

The decision brings weeks of diplomatic wrangling between the two countries towards an end.

Anti-war sentiment is strong in Turkey

The US needs the use of Turkish military bases to open a northern front in any attack on Iraq to coincide with operations in the south.

However, Turkey demanded a multi-billion-dollar aid package to compensate for any financial damage incurred during any Iraq conflict.

It has also sought guarantees about border security and about the political structure of Iraq, especially Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq, after any war.

Washington has reportedly offered Ankara grants of $6bn and loans of up to $20bn in exchange for its support; it is believed Turkey was seeking up to $32bn.

Impact of war

Turkey is a key Muslim ally of the US and a fellow member of Nato; the US in turn has been a vocal supporter of the country's efforts to enter the European Union.

However, its leaders are deeply concerned about the impact of war on an already fragile Turkish economy.

The US had upped the pressure in recent weeks, with US Secretary of State Colin Powell telling the Turkish Government that "the clock is ticking" for Turkey to make a decision on the matter.

But BBC Istanbul correspondent Johnny Dymond says that before the Gulf War in 1991, the country was promised much, yet afterwards received little.

However, if war is coming anyway, many within the country have acknowledged the practical need for US support, he says.