.Gul to Rice: Kerkuk will Affect Iraq
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul cautioned U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that turmoil in Kerkuk (Kirkuk) would threaten all of Iraq.
Gul said Turkey perceived the issue to be based on the Turkish-Kurdish division, adding: “We see the situation in Kirkuk as an Iraqi issue. Instability and turmoil there will make Iraq’s problems more unbearable.”
Gul and Rice, who met on Thursday, expressed their satisfaction over the implementation of the “strategic vision document” that was agreed and approved by both parties in July.
To this end, the appointment of a special coordinator for the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) by the United States was referred to as a concrete step to be taken within the context of the document.
At the meeting, Gul briefed Rice about the meetings he had during the Lebanon war, emphasizing that lessons needed to be taken from the crisis.
“It is obvious that everybody wants peace. This is an opportunity to attain a sustainable peace.”
Referring to the significance of the revival of the Middle East peace process, Gul said: “The success to be attained here is crucial for the resolution of a number of regional issues. A resolution is possible within the context of a new initiative that could be developed during the course of the peace process.”
Reiterating that Turkey favored a diplomatic resolution for Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Gul stressed that the diplomatic process should continue.
In relation to the Kirkuk issue, Gul said: “When we talk about Kirkuk, everybody supposes we want to bring the Kurdish-Turkish issue to the foreground. However, we instead see the uncertainty there as a general issue of Iraq. We are concerned that instability and turmoil in Kirkuk could cause more troubles in Iraq.”
Referring to the recently appointed special coordinator Gen. Joseph Ralston’s taking office; Gul expressed his hope that a resolution would be imminent.
Noting that Turkey had a high regard toward a U.S. attempt to resolve the PKK issue, Gul said, “Ralston’s appointment created a new environment for obtaining satisfactory results.”
Drawing attention to the unwillingness of the Greek Cypriots since their accession to the European Union, Gul stressed that Greek Cyprus, which was using its E.U. membership as political leverage, had consistently refrained from taking real and constructive steps.
The foreign minister called for sanctions to be removed and mentioned an action plan that would address the issue.
During his stay in New York, Gul met with the representatives from Jewish institutions, such as the American Jewish Committee, the American Jewish Congress, the American Sephardi Federation, the Anti Defamation League, B’nai B’rith, and the World Jewish Congress.
Gul briefed the representatives about his meetings in the Middle East.
The leaders and chairmen of the associations expressed their satisfaction with Turkey’s active role in resolving the Lebanon crisis.
Gul Sought Support for Prof. Turmen
Shortly before the friendly and constructive Gul-Rice meeting, Gul introduced the candidate for the chairmanship of the World Health Organization (WHO) Prof. Dr. Tomris Turmen to Rice. She said she was delighted to see a female candidate.
Zaman
Gul said Turkey perceived the issue to be based on the Turkish-Kurdish division, adding: “We see the situation in Kirkuk as an Iraqi issue. Instability and turmoil there will make Iraq’s problems more unbearable.”
Gul and Rice, who met on Thursday, expressed their satisfaction over the implementation of the “strategic vision document” that was agreed and approved by both parties in July.
To this end, the appointment of a special coordinator for the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) by the United States was referred to as a concrete step to be taken within the context of the document.
At the meeting, Gul briefed Rice about the meetings he had during the Lebanon war, emphasizing that lessons needed to be taken from the crisis.
“It is obvious that everybody wants peace. This is an opportunity to attain a sustainable peace.”
Referring to the significance of the revival of the Middle East peace process, Gul said: “The success to be attained here is crucial for the resolution of a number of regional issues. A resolution is possible within the context of a new initiative that could be developed during the course of the peace process.”
Reiterating that Turkey favored a diplomatic resolution for Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Gul stressed that the diplomatic process should continue.
In relation to the Kirkuk issue, Gul said: “When we talk about Kirkuk, everybody supposes we want to bring the Kurdish-Turkish issue to the foreground. However, we instead see the uncertainty there as a general issue of Iraq. We are concerned that instability and turmoil in Kirkuk could cause more troubles in Iraq.”
Referring to the recently appointed special coordinator Gen. Joseph Ralston’s taking office; Gul expressed his hope that a resolution would be imminent.
Noting that Turkey had a high regard toward a U.S. attempt to resolve the PKK issue, Gul said, “Ralston’s appointment created a new environment for obtaining satisfactory results.”
Drawing attention to the unwillingness of the Greek Cypriots since their accession to the European Union, Gul stressed that Greek Cyprus, which was using its E.U. membership as political leverage, had consistently refrained from taking real and constructive steps.
The foreign minister called for sanctions to be removed and mentioned an action plan that would address the issue.
During his stay in New York, Gul met with the representatives from Jewish institutions, such as the American Jewish Committee, the American Jewish Congress, the American Sephardi Federation, the Anti Defamation League, B’nai B’rith, and the World Jewish Congress.
Gul briefed the representatives about his meetings in the Middle East.
The leaders and chairmen of the associations expressed their satisfaction with Turkey’s active role in resolving the Lebanon crisis.
Gul Sought Support for Prof. Turmen
Shortly before the friendly and constructive Gul-Rice meeting, Gul introduced the candidate for the chairmanship of the World Health Organization (WHO) Prof. Dr. Tomris Turmen to Rice. She said she was delighted to see a female candidate.
Zaman
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