ANKARA - There is still uncertainty in the process on the repatriation of nearly 13 thousand Turkish citizens living in Iraq as refugees, sources said on Monday.
They recalled that an agreement was signed between Turkey, the United States, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Iraq in Ankara last January, aiming the return of nearly 13 thousand Turkish citizens, including nine thousand living in Mahmur Camp in the north of Iraq. But they added that the agreement could not be implemented due to delay stemming from the United States and Iraq.
Stating that Ankara has not received yet an expected letter from the U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, approving the agreement, sources said that under current circumstances, the process was on hold.
They noted that the United States was envisaging to make changes on the agreement and the transfer of sovereignty in Iraq delayed the process.
Pentagon, State Department and CIA were expected to complete their examinations of the agreement, sources said noting that there was not any disagreement regarding the changes.
It was reported that another reason of delay stemmed from Iraq. Sources stressed that expected approval did not come from Iraqi interim government before the transfer of sovereignty, and a new administrative condition was created after the transfer of power in Iraq. Sources stated that in the light of latest developments, there was not a firm timetable on return of Turkish refugees,
The agreement that was signed in Ankara includes some main principles on the return of refugees on a voluntary basis, taking into consideration human dignity and providing security for the refugees.
On the other hand Turkey continues working to open a consulate in Mosul.
Sources said that Turkey and Iraqi interim government held talks on this issue, adding that Turkey was waiting for an answer.
They noted that Britain and the United States opened ''embassy offices'' in Kirkuk on Sunday. Replying to a question on other diplomatic missions Turkey planned to open in Iraq, sources said, ''we will start from Mosul.''
Meanwhile, Turkey is expected to assign a new ambassador to Iraq after the transfer of sovereignty.
(EÖ-ULG)