Turkey yesterday gave a cautious but encouraging welcome to the newly established Iraqi government, Iraq's first since the historic Jan. 30 elections.
"The formation of a new elected government is a great step towards establishing a democratic political system in Iraq," said Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Namik Tan on Thursday in a written statement. "We wish much success to the Iraqi national interim government that carries a very heavy responsibility during this crucial period of transition."
Tan emphasized the opportunities for a new beginning in Iraq, saying that the time had come for "national conciliation and the providing of hopeful futures for all Iraqi people."
On the important task of writing the new Iraqi constitution, Tan said: "The participation of all of Iraq's various peoples is integral to the success of this task. Priority for Iraq's national interests and moving forward in the spirit of national solidarity are of crucial importance for ensuring a stable future in Iraq. We expect the United Nations Security Council to have a role in the process of writing the constitution."
Tan added that Turkey would continue to support all steps toward establishing stability in Iraq. "In this context, our dialogues with all groups in Iraq as well as with the national interim government and Parliament will continue to move forward," he said.