Türkiye's Gül Urges Iraqi Turkmen Unity, Cautions on Kirkuk Referendum

Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gül hosted Iraqi parliament members from the Turkmen community at Çırağan Palace in Istanbul on Thursday, August 2006.

After the talks, Gül noted that Shiite and Sunni Turkmens had gathered together in Istanbul, calling the occasion significant as evidence that sectarian conflict between the two groups is unnecessary. He expressed hope that Iraqis of different sects would unite around the goal of rebuilding their country.

On the question of a referendum over Kirkuk's status, Gül said the city's future should be settled through broad agreement among Turkmens, Kurds, and Arabs before any vote takes place. He warned that a referendum alone could not resolve the dispute without prior consensus.

Gül also described the relationship between Türkiye and the Turkmen community as close and longstanding, noting that both Turkmens and Kurds in Iraq are considered kin.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in August 2006, in its own words.