Foreign Ministry: Several Negativities Exist In Interim Constitution For Iraq

ANKARA - Foreign Ministry said on Friday that the difficulties faced in signing of interim constitution for Iraq the same day had the quality of proving the rightfulness of concerns that Turkey had been expressing since the beginning.
Issuing a statement, Foreign Ministry said, ''according to unofficial information we have been caused by insufficiencies and imbalances in the formation of Iraqi Governing Council, exist in the interim constitution for Iraq.''
''The difficulties faced in signing of interim constitution for Iraq which is envisiged to remain valid throughout the period that will end with the approval of permanent constitution that arranges transition period in Iraq and holding of general elections and the formation of new Iraqi government have the quality of proving the rightfulness of the concerns that Turkey has been expressing since the beginning,'' the statement said.
The statement noted, ''for the well-being of the country and the region, our preference is the removal of those negativities within a balance which will not allow the displeasure of any group in the country before signing of the constitution. Because, the important thing is not the timetable's domination over the core but settlement of the structure to formed on a healthy and permanent basis. The factor which we think it beneficial to take into consideration carefully is to leaving determination of Iraq's future to the parliament, which will be formed after the general elections, in a way of reflecting the will of the whole Iraqi people instead of trying to determine it as of today.''
''We think it beneficial to once again draw all relevant sides' attention to Turkey's concerns and warnings before it is too late. Turkey will continue to follow its policy towards Iraq's integration with the international society as a state of which territorial integrity and unity are preserved and which advances on the path of democracy in peace and stability and is in peace with its people and neighbors, and Turkey will continue to help Iraqi people in this transition period.''
Meanwhile, U.S. Ankara Embassy Undersecretary Robert Deutch met with Foreign Ministry Middle East Department officials.
Sources said Officials conveyed Turkey's stance towards the constitution to Deutch.
(GC-MS) 05.03.2004