Rice: Kirkuk Must Be A City Where All Iraqis Can Live Without Fear

ANKARA - U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated on Sunday that Kirkuk must be a city where all Iraqis could live without fear.
Interview with the Turkish private NTV channel, Rice stressed that U.S. approach to Iraq's territorial integrity was clear. ''We want to see an Iraq where all are represented and their rights respected. We want a unified, single Iraq,'' said Rice.
Rice told that in their meetings with all sides involved in Kirkuk, the U.S. encouraged all groups to live side by side, peacefully in Kirkuk.
Asked about her thoughts on the terrorist organization PKK/Kongra-Gel, Rice said that the United States would not tolerate any form of terrorist attacks originating from north of Iraq. ''The U.S. regards the PKK/Kongra-Gel as a terrorist organization,'' remarked Rice. ''We are considering taking other actions, aside from military related ones, against the PKK/Kongra-Gel. We will cut off the financial assistance provided to this terrorist organization,'' she added.
Rice commented that the war in Iraq was still going on and that her government expected Turkish people to understand America's firm stand in Iraq.
In response to the Turkish parliament's decision on March 1st, 2005 not to allow U.S. troops in Turkey in their preparations to attack Iraq from its north, Rice expressed that March 1st was a case of disappointment for the United States. ''Yet Turkey is a democratic country, free to make its own decisions,'' indicated Rice. ''We have always supported Turkey and will continue to do so in the future,'' remarked Rice.
Asked on her thoughts on Iran, Rice elaborated that the Iranians must take full advantage of the opportunity provided to them. ''We believe that the Iranian topic could be resolved through diplomacy.''
In response to a question on the Incirlik air base, Rice said that Incirlik is a Turkish base. ''Whatever takes place must take place in coordination with the Turkish government. Turkey is a good ally in our fight against international terror,'' told Rice.
Asked what steps the United States will take regarding Cyprus, Rice commented that the rejection of the Annan Plan by the Greek Cypriots was a total disappointment. ''We are reviewing opportunities to help lift the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriots,'' said Rice.
Finally, in regard to Israeli-Palestinian relations, Rice expressed that she would be going to the Middle East after her visit to Ankara. ''The Israelis and Palestinians must go back to the 'road map' and take the necessary steps,'' told Rice. ''Although we have a long road ahead of us in the Middle East, I am hopeful for the future,'' stated Rice.
Rice was later received by the Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer at the Cankaya Presidential Palace in Ankara.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is scheduled to meet Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul later today. Rice and Gul will hold a joint press conference following their meeting.