"Iraqi proposals empty. Cross-border operation at the doorstep," headlined the pro-government Zaman newspaper after crisis talks between Turkish and Iraqi ministers here Friday.

"The breaking point," trumpeted the popular Vatan.

"Hopes of finding a negociated solution are fading," the daily said, adding that "The army is waiting for orders to strike."

The mass-circulation Hurriyet described the proposed Iraqi measures as "ridiculous" and accused Iraqi officials of "clowning" in the face of Turkish demands for the arrest and extradition of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leaders.

Hurriyet wrote that the Iraqi officials did not even respond to the Turkish demand, saying instead they would return eight Turkish soldiers captured by the PKK, if they are on Iraqi territory. The PKK has said the soldieers are being held in Turkey.

The proposals presented by a delegation led by Iraqi Defence Minister Abdel Qader Mohammed Jassim included coalition forces patrolling the Turkish-Iraqi border to prevent infiltration by Kurdish rebels.

The delegation also suggested direct talks between the Turkish, Iraqi and US military and the revival of a tripartite panel to coordinate efforts to curb the separatists.

But Turkish leaders said the proposals would take too long to implement and called for "urgent and determined" action against the rebels.

Several newspapers said talks between Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President George W. Bush at the White House on November 5 would determine Ankara's next move in the crisis.

"We have to wait for Bush," headlined the liberal daily Radikal, echoing comments by Turkish army chief Yasar Buyukanit, who said Friday that the meeting in Washington will be crucial.

Tensions have risen since the Turkish parliament authorised the government to order military action against PKK bases in northern Iraq if necessary.

Ankara says the PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey and much of the international community, is tolerated and even supported by Iraqi Kurds who have their own autonomous region.

Wary of fresh turmoil in conflict-torn Iraq, Washington has repeatedly warned against unilateral Turkish military action in Iraq.