Iraq Conference Starts

SHARM EL-SHEIK (AA) - International Iraq Conference started in Sharm El-Sheik city of Egypt on Tuesday.
     The final statement of the conference is expected to call on the Iraqi government to hold the elections in January of 2005.
     Meanwhile, most of Turkey's priorities seem to be included in the final statement.
     Earlier, Turkey highlighted importance of holding elections in Iraq as soon as possible with the participation of all sections of the Iraqi society.
     Foreign ministers of 20 countries including Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell are attending the conference.
     UN, EU, G-8, the People's Republic of China, Arab League, Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and Arab Troika of Bahrain, Tunisia and Algeria are also represented at the conference held upon request of Iraq and with support of the United States.
     (UK-MS)
2004-11-23