SHARM EL-SHEIKH - Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said on Monday that talks between Turkey and the regional administration in north of Iraq could continue from now on, yet noted that tangible measures against the terrorist organization were important.
Babacan, currently in Egypt to attend World Economic Forum meetings, responded to the questions of reporters.
Referring to the problem caused by terrorist PKK organization, Babacan said, "Turkey expects international solidarity to deal with PKK terrorism."
Babacan said Turkey and the central government in Iraq took important steps on the matter and the central government very clearly opposed to the presence of terrorist organization on Iraqi territories.
"However, the stance of regional administration in north of Iraq was different. We have said dialogue between Turkey and the regional administration would be positively affected if the regional administration managed to become distant from terrorist organization. Different stances and statements are in question nearly for one month," Babacan said.
Responding to another question, Babacan said Turkey had positive dialogue both with Iran and Syria, indicating that dialogue was the main way of solving the problems.
Asked to comment on Turkey's mediation between Israel and Syria, Babacan said talks were under way, adding that both parties requested Turkey's mediation.
Babacan said Turkey's main target was to restore peace and prosperity in the region, noting that Turkey would not refrain from doing what was necessary within this framework.
Turkish Foreign Minister was separately received by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
Babacan is also expected to deliver a speech during a session titled "Fresh Strategies for Stability" later on Monday before returning to Turkey.
(AY)