ANKARA (AA) - Chinmaya Gharekhan, the special envoy of India for Near East, said on Monday that Turkey was one of the key countries in the Middle East, and it had been pursuing an active diplomacy.
Holding a news conference at the Indian Embassy in Ankara, Gharekhan, who is currently in Ankara on an official visit, highlighted importance of peace and stability in the region, adding that any instability could affect the whole region and the world.
''Turkey is one of the key countries in the Middle East. It has been pursuing an active diplomacy,'' he told reporters.
Underlining importance of development of democracy in the region, Gharekhan said that Iraq would be a beginning in the democratization process in the region.
He said that all sections of Iraqi population should participate in the process, indicating that Iraq's territorial integrity should be preserved.
Referring to Israel's plan about withdrawal from Gaza Strip, Gharekhan called on the international community to extend more support to the Middle East peace process.
During his visit to Ankara, Gharekhan held talks with Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, Turkey's Special Envoy to Iraq Osman Koruturk and Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Undersecretary Ahmet Uzumcu.
Recent developments in Iraq and the Middle East peace process were high on agenda of his talks.
(UK)
2005-05-16