ANKARA - Turkey defined formation of interim governing council in Iraq as the 'first step in process of establishment of new sovereign political structure' in this country.
Releasing a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated however it could not be said that the membership structure of the council did not reflect all circles of Iraqi people, including Turkmens in line with their population rate.
Noting that assessment by Turkey on members of the council was under way, the statement recalled that the council was envisaged to fulfil its duties like appointment of interim ministers and adoption of general budget under supervision of the coalition authority led by the United States.
It was a fact that Iraqi people would gradually prepare their future also with support of the council, the statement said and noted that Turkey wished that all circles of Iraq would be able to play their roles in line with their population rate in this political process during which also the committee that would prepare new Iraqi constitution would be formed.
Stressing that Turkey supported finalization of the transition period in a way of effectively assuring Iraq's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity under the U.N. Security Council resolution 1483, the statement added that with this understanding, Turkey would be in close relations and cooperation with all circles of the Iraqi nation and Iraqi Governing Council.
(MS) 17.07.2003