Erdogan: Kirkuk Should Not Be Under Control Of Any Ethnic Group

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari have reached consensus of opinion on opening of a new border gate (between the two countries) in Turkish southeastern town of Silopi's Ovakoy district and training of Iraqi officers and soldiers by Turkey.
     Erdogan and Al-Jaafari had a very friendly meeting in Ankara the same day.
     Erdogan told Al-Jaafari in the meeting that the Iraqi elections were successful despite all the problems in Iraq and added that ''Turkey's support to Iraqi government will continue for restoration of prosperity and stability in Iraq. A favorable climate for preparing an Iraqi constitution which will enable broad-base participation of groups in administration should be formed. Turkey can contribute to this constitutional process by organizing international conferences and seminars. We also think that the constitution should be prepared through the coordination of the United Nations. Turkey is also ready to do its utmost for training of Iraqi police and soldiers to stop escalation of violent acts which target civilian people in Iraq.''
     Erdogan also stressed that ''Kirkuk shouldn't be under the domain of any ethnic group.''
     In Erdogan-Al Jaafari meeting, the two countries also decided to open a new border gate in Ovakoy (between the two countries), train Iraqi officers and soldiers by Turkey and take an initiative for opening of consulate generals in Mosul and Istanbul to cope with heavy visa applications. Erdogan also pointed out to the importance of the meeting on Iraq that was going to be held in Brussels between June 21st-22nd.
     Al-Jaafari thanked Erdogan for Turkey's support to Iraqi people and noted that Iraq would never forget the contributions and support of Turkey to Iraq which went through a critical period.
     Al Jaafari also mentioned the need for preparing a detailed action plan regarding the common steps that would be taken with Turkey. Al Jaafari stressed that they were the first government which came to power after elections in the history of Iraq. The participation of Sunni Arabs in Iraqi elections was not at desired level, Al-Jaafari said, adding that the deficiency could be overcome by the Iraqi government and the constitution (to be prepared).
     Al Jaafari also told Erdogan that Turkey expected terrorism to lessen in time.

2005-05-20