ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) should consult more with NATO, European Union (EU) and UN regarding the region, particularly Iraq, noting that cooperation between OSCE and these organizations would contribute to peace in the region and the world.
Erdogan received OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President and U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings in Ankara on Monday.
Sources said that Erdogan explained his views on the issues threatening peace in the world during the meeting.
Stating that developments in Iraq were not good, Erdogan said that OSCE should consult more with NATO, EU and UN regarding the region.
Erdogan noted that Turkey`s relations with the United States were not only related to Iraq and fight against terrorism. He stated that it was wrong to link terrorism to a certain religion.
Underlining the importance of fight against international terrorism, he said that Turkey attached great importance to this fight.
Erdogan noted that 40 Turkish citizens died in Iraq, adding that it hampered Turkey`s contributions to peace and stability in Iraq.
On the other hand, Hastings said that he visited Turkey for the eighth time.
Stating that they had been supporting Turkey`s accession to the EU for ten years, Hastings noted that they would continue to support Turkey`s EU bid.
Alcee Hastings added that he would convey Erdogan`s views and recommendations about Iraq to U.S. Congressmen.
(EÖ-MS) 04.10.2004