Turkey is expected to stress the importance of Iraq's political unity, territorial integrity and a well-prepared Iraqi constitution at the official two-day meeting of Iraq's neighbors, which starts today at Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul.
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul is expected to convey Turkey's contention that Kirkuk's status should be determined according to traditional regional balances.
While high-ranking officials will meet today, the countries' foreign ministers are expected to meet tomorrow.
Turkey, one of the galvanizing forces behind the meeting, will host the new Iraqi government for the first time.
Although Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced yesterday that his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari will participate in the meeting, this has not yet been confirmed. If Erdogan's announcement is correct, Jaafari will be visiting Turkey for the first time as the Iraqi prime minister.
As well as the new Iraqi foreign minister, the foreign ministers of Turkey, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain are expected to participate in the meeting. Erdogan is also expected to attend.
Gul to convey Turkey's interests
Gul will formally represent Turkey at the meeting and is expected to stress Turkey's desire for Iraq's political unity and territorial integrity.
According to diplomatic sources, Gul will impart Turkey's appreciation of Iraq's first successful election since the fall of Saddam Hussein, though he is expected to say: "It would have been better if the Sunnis had also participated in the elections."
Gul is also expected to express Turkey's desire for and support to a well-prepared Iraqi constitution, since it will be the document that determines Iraq's future.
Concerning the status of the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, Gul will present Turkey's view that the city's status should be determined in accordance with traditional regional balances