El Bayati: We Have Agreed On Establishing A Mechanism To Share Intelligence

ANKARA (AA) - Participating in a tripartite security meeting of Turkish, American and Iraqi officials, the Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister Hamid El Bayati has stated that the parties have agreed on establishing a new mechanism to share intelligence.
     After the meeting on wiping away terrorist cells in northern Iraq, mainly the PKK/KONGRA-GEL terrorist organization, El Bayati answered questions from journalists.
     ''A military operation against the PKK/KONGRA-GEL terrorist organization may be possible in the future. Yet, we currently focused on the upcoming election and its security in Iraq. Any military operation against PKK/KONGRA-GEL will take place in coordination with the multi-national force in Iraq,'' said El Bayati. ''Technical discussions will take place between Iraqi, Turkish and American experts in order to determine precautions to be taken. The participation of any PKK/KONGRA-GEL member in Iraq's election is unacceptable as this organization is viewed by Turkey and the European countries as a terrorist group,'' remarked El Bayati.
     In reference to a question on the northern Iraqi Mahmour refugee camp, El Bayati stressed that this subject should be handled within the perspective of the United Nations. ''Those individuals willing to return to Turkey will receive assistance,'' told El Bayati.
     (ES-A֩
2005-01-11