ANKARA (A.A) - 18.06.2002 - The Parliamentary General Assembly approved on Tuesday the Prime Ministry proposal on extension of life of the Operation Northern Watch for another six months beginning on June 30, 2002.
Addressing Parliamentary General Assembly on behalf of the Motherland Party (ANAP), Nihat Gokbulut said that Turkey was not in favor of foundation of a Kurdish state in Northern Iraq, adding, ''foundation of a Kurdish state in the region will damage all balances. Turkey should play a more active role in the region.''
Mehmet Kaya from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) said, ''a ground of cooperation has not been formed between Iraq and the United Nations yet. Also, a progress could not be recorded on the issue of inspection of chemical weapons in Iraq. Stability in the region could not reach the desired level. Therefore, it will be benefical to extend life of the Operation Northern Watch for another six months.''
Yakup Budak from the Felicity Party (SP) said, ''the United States has been trying to weaken military power of Iraq in order to provide security in Israel. While Turkey has been abiding by the United Nations' embargo, the United States and Britain have been continuing to export goods to Iraq via Jordan.''
Saffet Arikan Beduk from the True Path Party (DYP) stressed that Turkey had fulfilled its responsibilities to provide political stability and security in Northern Iraq. He added that the Operation Northern Watch should continue till settlement of political stability and security in the region.
Sevket Bulent Yahnici from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) said, ''Turkey should well-bargain with the United States on the issue of extension of life of the Operation Northern Watch. Northern Iraq is one of national cases of Turkey.''