ANKARA (AA) - ''If timetable does not function in Iraq, everything will be automatically postponed. All groups should participate to the elections in Iraq,'' said Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul.
Justice & Development Party (AK Party) political group convened under the leadership of Gul on Tuesday as Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan is currently in Russia for an official visit.
Gul said, ''Turkey supports the Iraqi elections and asks that they will be held on time. There is a timetable and the departure of foreign troops from this country depends from this timetable. First, elections will be held and the parliament will prepare the Constitution, and then the government will be formed. Departure of foreign troops will take place towards the end of this year. If this timetable does not work properly everything will be automatically delayed.'' Gul said, ''We support Iraq's territorial integrity, reach peace and survive in harmony with its neighbors. Thus, from the beginning, we have been inviting important politicians, leaders and tribal leaders to Turkey and held meetings with them without discrimination.''
''Turkey's wish about Iraq is sincere. Stability and peace in Iraq means stability in the region. Not only Iraqi people but also neighbors of this country suffered from instability in Iraq. When there is instability in Iraq, the country has become a base for terrorist organization,'' said Gul.
Recalling that following his visit to Israel and Palestine, he proceeded to Jordan and attended foreign ministers meeting of neighboring countries to Iraq, Gul said, ''next meetings of Interior and Foreign Ministers of these countries will be held in Turkey.''
Gul said, ''it is not easy for Sunnites in Iraq to participate to the elections and we understand them. However, it should be kept in mind that if you remain out of the political process, this may continue forever. During the constitution of actual Iraq, Iraqi Shiites made this mistake and they remained out of the administration for 70 years. If Sunnites repeat the same mistake, they may remain out of the Iraqi administration. This will not bring stability to the region.''
Regarding Turkey-Syria relations, Gul said, ''even the most difficult and complicated issues can be discussed today. Previously sharing of waters caused tension between two countries but now we can talk and reach positive results.''
Gul said, ''Turkey's border with Syria, our most productive lands, are full of land mines. These lands belong to us. Now we have decided to clear these mines.'' (to be continued)
(GC-ULG)
2005-01-11