Erdogan Receives PUK Leader Talabani

ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Patriotic Union of Iraqi Kurdistan (PUK) leader Jalal Talabani in Ankara on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting at the Prime Ministry Office, Talabani said that he had informed Erdogan on the latest situation in Iraq.
Noting that they respected Turkey`s sensitivities regarding terrorism and Turkmens, Talabani said that he had told Erdogan that they wished Kirkuk would be the city of friendship of Turkmens, Arabs and Kurds. ``There is no reason for tension.``
They had relations that had root deep in history with Turkey, Talabani said and added that they felt Turkey`s existence in the economy, politics and other fields in the region.
``We have seen during our meeting with the Prime Minister that there is not a big difference between his and our opinions,`` Talabani added.
Meanwhile, prior to his meeting with Erdogan, Talabani met with Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal at the ministry.
(MS-AÖ) 23.06.2004