ANKARA - Foreign Ministry Spokesman Yusuf Buluc said on Wednesday that they would not exclude any initiative aiming at a peaceful solution to Iraqi issue.
Buluc told a weekly press conference that the region was face to face with a critical issue due to developments in Iraq and that how the issue would be solved was closely concerning interests of Turkey and other regional countries.
Turkey favored a solution through peaceful means and within the framework of international legitimacy, Buluc noted.
Buluc said, ''Turkey thinks it is important to make a contribution to a peaceful solution. Mr. Prime Minister's tour to regional countries is a part of this. It is out of question for us to exclude any initiative aiming at a peaceful solution to Iraqi issue in order to get results from our contacts. This can be Turkey's national initiatives as well as joint initiative of the regional countries.''
The prime minister shared the results of his tour to the region with U.S. authorities, Buluc stated.
When asked if exile of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in another country was among peaceful solutions, Buluc said, ''leading members of our government have made necessary statements. We have always stated that every nation has the right to self-determination.''
Responding to a question about number of U.S. troops to come to Turkey in a possible operation against Iraq, Buluc said that the decision to be taken regarding this issue by the government would take into consideration evaluations of the parliament, public and press organs.
Underlining importance that Turkey attributed to legitimacy of the operation, Buluc said, ''legitimacy has to be ensured and efforts should be held on this ground.''
Buluc added that contacts of State Minister Kursad Tuzmen in Iraq did not contradict with consultations carried out by U.S. officials.