ANKARA - Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (IKDP) official Nechirvan Barzani arrived in Ankara on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters at the airport, Barzani said that they wanted to discuss general issues concerning Iraq and bilateral relations with Turkish officials.
Replying to a question on attacks on Turkish drivers, Barzani said that they condemned those attacks, recalling that the incidents did not occur in the region under their control. Answering a question on terrorist organization PKK/Kongra-Gel's components in Iraq Barzani said that they never welcomed their lands' be used in a way to threaten neighboring countries. He noted that they would convey once again their views on this issue to Turkish officials.
Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul is expected to receive Barzani today.
BARZANI SAYS REVIVAL OF BORDER CROSSINGS AND TRADE IS FOR THEIR BENEFIT
Barzani said that reviving border crossings and trade between Iraq and Turkey was for their benefit.
After he met Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, Barzani told reporters that the current border crossing system should be strengthened before a second border gate was opened between two countries.
Barzani said that he and Gul discussed issues concerning Iraq, and Turkish-Iraqi relations in their meeting.
Dialogue should continue for regional stability, Barzani noted.
Barzani stated that there was a government in Baghdad, and they were a part of this government. Drawing attention to the terrorism problem in Iraq, Barzani said that this would continue for some more time.
Nechirvan Barzani announced that the Iraqi government continued to be determined to fight against terrorism.
Barzani also said that the airport in north of Iraq, which was being constructed by several companies including Turkish companies, could be opened within a few months.
On the other hand, sources quoted Barzani as saying in his meeting with Gul that they continued to consider PKK/KONGRA-GEL as a terrorist organization. Barzani was also quoted as saying that ''this organization continued to be their enemy as it had been in the past.''
In the meeting, Barzani also said that they attached importance to their relations with Turkey, and noted that Turkey was a model for them, the same sources stated.
The sources added that Gul expressed Turkey's sensitivity about Iraq's territorial integrity and Turkmens in the meeting.
(BRC) 07.09.2004