Cakmakoglu: We Don't Favor Intervention In Iraq

KAYSERI (A.A) - 05.08.2002 - National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu said on Monday that, ''we don't favor intervention in Iraq, and we favor territorial integrity of Iraq.''
When asked how he evaluated probable intervention of the United States on Iraq, Cakmakoglu said they did not favor intervention in Iraq, stressing that, ''Iraq is our neighbour. We don't favor intervention in Iraq, and we favor territorial integrity of Iraq. However our advises and suggestions for Iraq continue to fulfill what the United States wanted from Iraqi regime not to launch an intervention in Iraq. We want Iraq to abide by the resolutions which were taken by the United Nations Security Council to destroy mass destruction weapons and missiles which may create danger in the region. To this end, we want Iraq to allow the inspectors, assigned by the Security Council, to carry out their mission. However, despite all these, if the United States intervenes in Iraq, it is the duty of those who administer this country to cover a policy that would give the least damage and bring the most benefits to Turkey.''
When asked if probable intervention of the United States on Iraq would effect election calendar, Cakmakoglu said the intervention would not effect calendar.
When journalists recalled that relatives of the martyrs reacted after the abolishment of death sentence, Cakmakoglu said their reaction was rightful.
Pointing out that understanding of terrorism in Europe and terrorism criminals in Turkey could not be considered as the same, Cakmakoglu said, ''the difference of view on this issue stems from our insistency to punish terrorism criminals with death sentence. A total of 32,559 people lost their lives so far in fight against terrorism.''