SHARM EL-SHEIK (AA) - Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday, ''some groups have been trying to change demographic structure of regions and cities in Iraq. Such adventurous attempts jeopardize the project to establish a free and united Iraq. Such attempts should be prevented. Since the existing government could not provide full control over the country, some terrorist groups have been sheltering in Iraq.''
Addressing the International Iraq Conference held in Sharm El-Sheik city of Egypt with the participation of foreign ministers of 20 countries, Gul said, ''yesterday, we held the seventh meeting of the regional initiative for Iraq which was initiated by Turkey two years ago. Today's conference is a sign of this important regional initiative.''
''Iraq is one of the oldest countries in the world. Its ethnic diversity should add its power. Therefore, the upcoming elections in Iraq should be held freely and by including all sections of the society. According to our view, the UN should undertake an important role in this process. Turkey is ready to make all kinds of contributions to this end,'' he said.
''We have been continuing sending humanitarian aid to Iraq. However, our aid cost lives in an increasing number of Turkish drivers due to lack of security in the country. We call on everyone to do everything in their power to provide security of transportation,'' Gul added.
(UK-ULG)
2004-11-23