ANTALYA - The Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Maher of Egypt said on Thursday that the decision of Turkey to send soldiers to Iraq was its own decision.
Maher replied to questions of reporters when he came to Antalya's Sheraton Hotel where the Mediterranean Forum (FOROMED) 10th Foreign Ministers Meeting would be held.
Upon a question on his view on the decision of Turkey to send soldiers to Iraq, Maher said that he did not want to comment on this issue and added that it was Turkey's own decision.
Stating that Turkey and Egypt had common views for Iraq to be reconstructed and reach sovereignty, Maher said that but the two countries had different methods. Recalling that Egypt would not send any soldiers to Iraq, Maher said that but the two countries had similar goals. Maher said that all countries which sent soldiers to the region or not, wanted to make good things for Iraqi people and were working for Iraq to return to its previous condition as soon as possible.
Asked how he evaluated approach of foundation of a Kurdish state in north of Iraq, Maher said that all sovereign countries respected current borders of Iraq.
Upon another question on the latest developments between Israel and Syria, Maher said that Israel was trying to block peace process and stated that he believed Israel's efforts would fail.
Maher asserted that Israel made difficult the situation and escaped from its responsibilities and stated that atmosphere of peace would be to the interests of whole world and the region. Maher said that Israel could not been persuaded on the issue of foundation of Palestinian state and noted that the only solution was to return to the negotiation table.
Meanwhile Mediterranean Forum (FOROMED) 10th Foreign Ministers Meeting will begin in Antalya in the afternoon.
Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul who will represent Turkey during the meetings is expected to come to Antalya later than he was scheduled due to a failure in ATA plane.
Greece, Spain, Malta, Egypt, and Algeria will be represented at Foreign Ministry level.
Gul will hold bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of Egypt and Greece. Gul and foreign minister of Malta will sign an agreement on mutual investments and a memorandum of understanding on strengthening political consultations.
(EÖ-Öª) 09.10.2003