WASHINGTON, D.C. - Turkish Foreign Minister and Chief Negotiator for EU talks Ali Babacan said Friday the United States followed very closely the closure case filed against Turkey`s ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party.
Speaking at a press briefing in Washington, D.C., Babacan said that the U.S. paid close attention to Turkey and the stability of the region.
"The closure case filed against the AK Party has not been brought up in our meetings in the U.S.," Babacan said.
"Developments in Turkey are closely watched by the U.S.. The reforms made in Turkey in the past five years attract the attention of the whole globe. No doubt, the closure case filed against the AK Party is a matter that is on the agenda of the U.S.," Babacan said.
We tell those who ask on the closure case that the legal process continues and that, regardless of the outcome of the case, we will respect the decision, Babacan noted.
-IRAN-IRAQ-
Babacan said that six countries, including the U.S., were preparing a package of suggestions to Iran.
"Our solution to Iran`s nuclear program is political dialogue," Babacan said.
Referring to Iraq, Babacan said that the dialogue between Turkey and the regional administration in north of Iraq was important for policies in the region and Turkey.
"We follow closely the developments in Kirkuk. We hope that a formula embracing all groups in Kirkuk would be found", Babacan said.
-MEETING WITH CHENEY AND HADLEY-
Babacan said that, during his meeting with U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney, he discussed cooperation against terrorist organization PKK, the Middle East, energy policies in Central Asia, Israeli-Syrian relations, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
"We primarily discussed the topic of Iraq with U.S. National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley. We agreed to continue cooperation until PKK is completely eradicated from the region," Babacan said.
In regard to the upcoming U.S. elections, Babacan said that "regardless of who wins the election, the special relationship between Turkey and the U.S. will continue."
(SOL-MS)