Talbott: Territorial Integrity Of Iraq Must Be Preserved

ANKARA - Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and Brookings Institute Chairman Strobe Talbott has stated that the territorial integrity of Iraq must be preserved.
In a joint press conference with Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Chairman Rifat Hisarciklioglu, Talbott said that changes took place in the U.S. administration after the recent elections in the States. ''Yet, what has not changed is the importance of Turkish-U.S. relations,'' noted Talbott.
Talbott told reporters that the Brookings Institute will continue to contribute to relations between Turkey and the States. ''We have initiated a 'Turkey program' headed by Omer Taspinar within the institute. We look at Turkey as part of the EU,'' remarked Talbott.
Talbott added that Turkish and Iranian relations are some of the most oldest relations in the world. ''The border between Turkey and Iran is older than the history of the United States. Turkey can influence Iran on the negotiations taking place between this country and EU's three most influential countries,'' indicated Talbott.
Talbott will participate in a panel discussion titled ''Turkey, United States and Russia; What Can We Expect In The New Period?'' that will be closed to the press.