ANKARA - Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has said possible developments that might happen after a war if a war couldn't be prevented had been discussed during his contacts in Egypt and Jordan, adding that the process of consultations would continue. Holding a press conference at Ankara's Esenboga Airport after he returned to Turkey on Monday, Gul said that he had held very beneficial meetings on Sunday with the Egyptian Prime Minister and Egyptian President and with the Jordanian Prime Minister and King of Jordan on Monday.
Gul said that at those meetings, they had ''clearly reviewed what things had happened and might happen''.
''Those meetings were beneficial more than I expected'', Gul said and noted, ''under these talks, possible developments that may happen after a war if a war can't be prevented and if a war starts, had been discussed. It is clearly seen that everybody is very concerned. So we all decided that we have the responsibility to do every possible thing. With this respect, several opinions were put forward and we decided to carry out our works in coordination. This is a process. This process of consultations is continuing and during this process, contacts and talks will be held continuously through several means if it is necessary.''
Recalling that he would pay a visit to Saudi Arabia on Saturday, Gul said that after his contacts in Saudi Arabia, consultations with everybody would continue through different means.
Reiterating that his talks had been ''more beneficial that he was expecting'', Gul said, ''everybody has taken action. Everybody is aware that there are many things to do and everybody is exerting intense efforts to prevent a war.''
Stressing that everybody attributed great importance to Iraq's territorial integrity, Gul said, ''there is a compromise on this issue. Iraq's territorial integrity and political unity are very important. Settlement of peace and stability in the region will enlarge and improve economic cooperation, of course. As a result of this, all countries in the region will benefit from resources of the region. Everybody agree on this issue.''
Noting that bilateral relations had also been taken up during his meetings, Gul said that there were many opportunities for development of relations between Turkey and Jordan and between Turkey and Egypt in fields of economy, industry, agriculture, tourism, education and other fields.
Stressing that the sides had mutually put forward their determination also about this issue, Gul said, ''I saw there that both people and officials really love Turkey and I was pleased with that.''
When asked whether he was planning to visit other countries that have right to speak in the United Nations like China or Russia or European countries, Gul said, ''no, we are thinking it with the region at the moment. It may happen with the countries outside the region, which are a side to the issue. Decision on this issue will be taken in coming days.''
When recalled of news reports about Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis's statements about Mousul and Kirkuk, Gul said, ''as a state policy, we, as Turkey, attribute great importance to Iraq's territorial integrity and political unity. Iraq has rich resources. If stability and peace are settled in the region, cooperation among the states, economic cooperation, commercial cooperation and joint investments reach further levels. As a result, everybody benefits from the riches of the region. Undoubtedly, independent academic and historical studies are different. However, our state's policy is clear.''
When a reporter recalled that some foreign politics experts were talking about Turkey's receivables from Mousul and Kirkuk, Gul said, ''as I have said that academic studies and historical researches are different. Our state policy is clear.''
When asked what kind of a message would be given to Baghdad administration through State Minister Kursat Tuzmen, Gul said, ''as Turkey, we are planning to pay such a visit alone. However, common target of my visits will be different. There may be some concrete steps under decisions that will be taken jointly. At this stage. these have not become definite. As I've said that it is a process of consultations. These are efforts for solution of this problem without a war, bloodshed, clashes and military operation.''
Replying a question which said, ''you said that results of your contacts were more positive than you expected regarding Iraq's territorial integrity after a possible operation. However, the United States which is the main actor is still making harsh statements. How can you overlap your contacts in the Middle East with the intention or plan of the United States?'' Gul said that any country did not want war and that the United States did not have an understanding like 'whatever happens but there should be war''.
''There is a U.N. resolution. Under this resolution, experts are now making investigations in Iraq and they will present a report on January 26. First of all, Iraq should do everything for a positive report. It should not allow any hesitation and it should make a quite clear and transparent cooperation. Meanwhile, President Bush is still saying that they prefer peace, of course. Also Secretary of State Powell and Secretary General Annan are talking about peace. War is the last step. Before this last step, there are many things to do. In the past, many disasters were prevented with last-minute initiatives. Consequently, we are a country in this region, and not only Turkey but also Arab countries are fundamental factors in this region. Turks, Arabs and others, Iranians, we all have responsibilities. We will continue to live in this region. Peoples in this region are relatives and brothers and sisters of each other,'' he said.
''As I've said that resources of this region should be distributed in this region. And the way of distribution should be peace and stability. As a result, economic cooperation and trade should develop and joint investments should be made, allowing everybody to benefit from resources of this region. So none of us can sit and wait, of course. Everybody should sincerely expend efforts. I meant this when I said I had seen closeness beyond expectation. We held meetings with mutual confidence within a very sincere atmosphere. This is also valid for Turkey and bilateral relations with the countries and also for Iraq crisis. I am sure that also the United States will be pleased with this. Because, war is not the thing they desire,'' he said.
Replying a question about use of bases, Gul said that experts' works were underway and that those would finish in near future.
When asked whether or not a date had been set for a general parliamentary session on Iraq issue, Gul said, ''of course, this will be held during this process at an appropriate date.''