Turkey drags its feet over role in Iraq invasion

US preparations for war with Iraq suffered a new setback yesterday when Turkey dug in its heels in negotiations over its role as a launchpad for an invasion.

Washington, embroiled in a broader diplomatic battle at the United Nations over its war plans, indicated it had issued Ankara with an ultimatum and would do without it if necessary.

The White House also said it might propose a new UN resolution this week or next to try to break a deadlock at the Security Council over its stance that Iraq is hiding weapons of mass destruction and may need to be disarmed by force soon.