Gurel: We Are Taking Necessary Measures About Iraq Issue

ANKARA - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sukru Sina Gurel said on Tuesday that Turkey was closely monitoring developments about Iraq, adding, ''nobody should concern and doubt that we are taking necessary measures.''
Gurel answered questions of reporters at Ankara's Esenboga Airport.
Responding a question about visit of General Tommy Franks, Commander in Chief of the U.S. Central Command, Gurel said, ''I couldn't get detailed information about this visit but I would probably get the necessary information today. I suppose that it was a planned contact between the military officials.''
When asked whether or not a possible military operation would be launched in near future, Gurel said, ''we don't want to interpret in this way. Actually, the Prime Minister does not say it in this way. As the Prime Minister stated that the United States has not yet taken a definite decision. But it thinks of it seriously. I don't know about General Franks's contacts in Ankara in detail, but I will get information.''
Responding a question about developments in Northern Iraq, Gurel said, ''we are closely monitoring all developments and we are taking necessary measures so nobody should have doubt about it. We have never changed our basic position and principles in our point of view toward the region. Protection of Iraq's territorial integrity will always be our principle.''