WASHINGTON - Gen. Ergin Saygun, the representative of the Turkish Armed Forces to NATO, said on Monday that Turkey should be grouped with European countries, not with the target countries within Greater Middle East initiative of the United States.
Speaking at a panel discussion in the 23rd conference of American-Turkish Council (ATC), Saygun said, ''we are willing to support a reasonable initiative in the Middle East. Turkey wants to see peace and stability in its region. We appreciate Greater Middle East Initiative of the United States. However, there are still uncertainties in this project. The uncertainties should be clarified.''
Saygun said peace could only be provided in the Middle East through peaceful methods.
Saygun said this would be important in determining future of Iraq. He said Iran was in closer cooperation with Turkey in the recent period, stressing that better relations were accepted with ''cautious optimism'':
Saygun said recent clashes between Arabs and Kurds in Syria caused concern.
Saygun said Israeli-Palestinian problem was of key importance in solution of problems in the region, and stressed that Turkish-Israeli relations were strong.
Mentioning relations with Armenia, Saygun said Turkey did not oppose establishment of better relations with Armenia, yet noted that an appropriate atmosphere should be found.
(AY-AÖ) 06.04.2004