Washington allows helicopter firm to compete for Turkish military deal

The United States government has given approval for an American helicopter company to compete for a five-billion dollar Turkish military contract.

A State Department spokesman said Washington wanted to support Turkey's legitimate defence needs, but Ankara would have to improve its human rights record before Washington could approve any deal.

The announcement follows a visit to the United States by the Turkish prime minister, Mesut Yilmaz, which came after the European Union decided against putting Turkey on a list of candidates for EUmembership.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service