Turkey - United States Joint Commission Completes Its Works

ANKARA - The joint commission which was formed in order to investigate detention of 11 Turkish soldiers in northern Iraq, completed its works after the fourth meeting on Monday.
Sources told the A.A correspondent that during yesterday's and today's meetings, the joint statement, which was expected to be released following the talks, was given its final shape.
Diplomatic sources said that the U.S. side had been waiting for approval of the U.S. administration.
Meanwhile, the Turkish side will submit the draft to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
In the statement, the U.S. side is expected to describe detention of Turkish soldiers as ''distressing'' and to highlight importance of bilateral relations and development of dialogue.
During the third meeting of the commission, Supreme Allied Deputy Commander General John Silvester, who headed the U.S. delegation, explained his impressions about the region.
At the end of the meeting, the sides agreed that allegations about assassination were invalid.
(UK-AÖ) 14.07.2003