Foreign Ministry Delegation Meets With U.S., K.D.P. And P.U.K. Officials

SALAHUDDIN/SULEYMANIYAH - Foreign Ministry delegation met on Sunday with military officials of the United States, and representatives of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in the north of Iraq.
Members of the delegation headed by Ecvet Tezcan told A.A correspondent that they were monitoring developments by meeting with every part in the region and those contacts were very beneficial.
They visited Dahuk Governor, the members said.
The members of the delegation noted that they later visited Mosul and Tall Afar where Turkmens were intensively living.
Turkmens should have a word on Iraq's integrity, the members pointed out.
The members of the delegation said that Turkmens would undertake constructive activities in cooperation with other groups.
The group thought that a humanitarian aid convoy should be sent to the region.
The delegation said that Tall Afar was neglected during the Saddam Hussein rule.
The Foreign Ministry delegation met with U.S. commander upon the invitation of U.S. 101st Air Division Command.
The U.S. commander said that they attached importance to development of Mosul and social and economic development in the region and ethnic balance and noted that they needed contributions of Turkey.
Proposing to work together with Turkey, the U.S. commander said that Turkey's geographical closeness would provide advantages in many fields.
Members of the delegation explained Turkey's sensitivities about terrorism and other issues.
The delegation noted that the United States had important initiatives regarding disarmament in Iraq and noted that Turkmen Deputy Mosul Governor Ibrahim Arafat had significant contributions.
The members of the delegation visited KDP member Nechirvan Barzani.
Barzani said that Turkey had significant contributions in welfare and tranquility the north of Iraq during ten years.
They were open to every kind of cooperation with Turkey, Barzani noted.
Barzani stated that they wanted to leave behind old mistakes and open a new page, adding that problems with the Turkmens would be overcome.
The group later met with PUK member Barham Salih. Salih proposed to open Turkish consulate general in Sulaymaniyah.
The delegation will proceed to Baghdad on Monday after their contacts with Turkmens in Kirkuk.
(BRC-AY) 18.05.2003