DAVOS (AA) - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that the developments in Kirkuk are not positive. ''There is an issue of transferring populations. This development constitutes the first sign of a negative development for Iraq's future,'' said Erdogan.
Erdogan held a press conference at Davos' Rinaldi Hotel.
Asked about how the elections result of a Shiite majority in the Iraqi parliament would affect the country as a whole, Erdogan replied that it would not be accurate to regard the elections as a ''purely democratic one''.
''The elections may be a step towards transition into a democracy. The whole population of Iraq will not be able to participate in the elections. There is an approach to transfer populations. The elections seem to be relying on the ethnicity factor. Any decision by an ethnic group to refuse participation in the election will not create a positive atmosphere after the election,'' told Erdogan.
In response to a question on what he thought about a possible division of Iraq, Erdogan stressed that Turkey is a supporter of Iraq's territorial integrity. ''We do not want to see any single ethnic group in Iraq to dominate the scene over any other Iraqi ethnic groups. Iraqi people must determine their own future,'' remarked Erdogan.
Answering a question on his recent visit to Syria, Erdogan indicated that Turkey appreciates Syrian President al-Asad's warm approach for peace. ''Al-Asad assured us that Syria is ready to do whatever is crucial for peace in the Middle East. Syria supports Turkish efforts to mediate peace efforts.''
In response to a question on whether Turkey would only look at the west in its EU journey and turn its back on its eastern neighbors, Erdogan responded that Turkey never had such intentions.
''We want to have good relations with the neighboring and regional countries. We never had any thought to turn our back on our eastern neighbors. We have declared this year as the 'year of Africa.' We will visit many African nations. We will make efforts to have good relations worldwide, not only via our political institutions but also through our NGOs and businessmen,'' expressed Erdogan.
(ES-MS)
2005-01-27