Iraq's Security Is Security Of Us All, State Minister Atalay

AMMAN - The Fifth Meeting of Interior Ministers of Countries Neighboring Iraq began in Amman on Thursday.
State Minister Besir Atalay represents Turkey at the meeting.
Speaking at the inauguration of the meeting, Atalay said that "Iraq's security is the security of us all. In order to attain the desired results, we must work in harmony with each other and support the efforts of the Iraqi government."
"Iraq's security is the security of our region. We know this reality well. Turkey sincerely supports an Iraq that preserves its territorial integrity, protects its own borders and succeeds in establishing national unity. With this goal, Turkey has strengthened bilateral talks with Iraq in the past year. There have been visits to and from Iraq at the highest level possible. A mechanism has been established between Turkey and Iraq by which officials from the two countries meet every six months. This mechanism is being implemented now. As the interior ministers, we would evaluate all of these developments," Atalay stressed.
"We have an effective cooperation with Iraq in the fight against terror. We are pleased to see political will on both sides," Atalay noted.
"We have implemented various programs with Iraq to help Iraqi authorities on illegal drug and human trafficking and other illegal activities," Atalay said.
"The upcoming local elections in Iraq are important in facilitating the continuation of political stability. It is important to hold the local elections in a fair way. Turkey is ready to provide any assistance to Iraq on the local elections," Atalay said.
"The eradication of the terrorist organization PKK from Iraq would contribute to peace and stability in Iraq. As Turkey, we would continue the fight against PKK by working together with the people and government of Iraq," Atalay also said.
(SOL-CE)
(POL)