WASHINGTON D.C. - Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok who is currently in the U.S. for an official visit, said on Wednesday that Turkey's policy in Iraq is solution of the problem without war.
Following his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, Gen. Ozkok responded to questions of journalists.
When asked about the concerns of Turkey about the Iraqi issue, Gen. Ozkok said that ''certainly we have concerns and we tell our views about this issue to U.S. officials who particularly wanted to know the effects of an operation against Iraq. I explained these issues. In that respect, military speeches will be very useful in decision mechanisms.''
When a journalist asked him if the different points of views with the U.S. have been overcome, Gen. Ozkok said that ''this is a very broad issue, I don't want to talk about it. Certainly, there are differences in views, but we should not be afraid of it. The problems can be solved in time.''
Noting that his contacts are in general very productive and constructive, and both sides voiced their views about different issues, Gen. Ozkok said that ''we clearly explained our views from Iraq to European Security and Defense Identity. We conveyed our needs, difficulties and views.''
Gen. Ozkok said that he would meet with members of the Turkish-American Council, and certain lobby institutions today, adding ''today it was a very tiring day, but it has been very useful. We try to do the best for our country.''