ANKARA - A statement was issued on Friday after the National Security Council (NSC) meeting saying that ''it was deemed necessary to continue Turkey's policy on Iraq by taking up all aspects of the issue and in line with national interests.''
Issuing a statement, NSC Secretariat General said that during the regular August meeting of NSC headed by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, the recent developments in Iraq were taken up in details and a general assessment was also made about Cyprus and Aegean problems.
General Secretariat noted that ''a general evaluation was made at the meeting about problems in Cyprus and Aegean''.
The statement said recent developments in Iraq were discussed in a comprehensive way and developments in international atmosphere regarded with the rebuilding of Iraq and installation of peace and stability were also evaluated in this respect. It said contacts held with the related countries and various sections of society in Iraq were reviewed.
The statement said Turkey regards ending of instability in Iraq and foundation of public order in this country as a priority policy target, and covers the developments in a sensitive way in this respect.
The statement said general security and order in the country was also discussed.
Also, by taking into consideration the foreign political developments in the world and in the region, it was found appropriate to convene National Security Council once again in September 2003.
(Öª-AY) 22.08.2003