BAGHDAD - Turkey's Ambassador in Baghdad Osman Paksut said on Friday that lifting of embargo on Iraq would have great benefits to Turkey in medium and long term.
Paksut replied questions of reporters in the Embassy building.
Paksut said lifting of sanctions, which were brought after occupation of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990, was pleasing.
Stating that aggressive attitude lacking foresight of the previous government in Iraq caused the embargo, Paksut said the embargo negatively affected Iraq people.
Paksut said negative effects of the sanctions were also felt in Turkey.
Paksut said prohibition of entrance of items and products to Iraq, which may be used for more than one aim, caused negative results particularly in hospitals, adding that all products, apart from weapons, could enter Iraq from now on.
The Ambassador stated that Turkey would continue to improve trade with Iraq, noting that, ''all gates to Iraq for trade are open. They will have great benefits for Turkey in the medium and long term.''
Paksut stated that complaints about the border gate were conveyed to him, stating that they would launch necessary initiatives to carry out the arrangements.
Pointing out that Turkish Airlines completed their preparations, Paksut said flights would resume between Iraq and Turkey after opening of airports in Iraq.
(AY-MS) 23.05.2003