ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey announced Monday it would assume command of a peacekeeping force in Afghanistan for six months in a major step for its powerful armed forces into the international arena.

Turkey's decision to take over the role from Britain had been delayed while Washington and London considered a "shopping list" of requirements including communications, airlift support and, not least, financial help. Turkey is struggling to pull out of its worst economic recession since 1945.

The Turkish army plays a major role in domestic politics and had sought guarantees from Britain and the United States that all possible steps would be taken to avoid any incidents that could tarnish its image. Fighting still erupts in Afghanistan, months after the overthrow of the Taliban.

It seems unlikely Turkey will take over command of the force before a mid-June meeting of the Loya Jirga, a tribal council that will either endorse the Western-backed government of Hamid Karzai or choose a new interim administration.