ISTANBUL - Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal said on Wednesday that a possible war in Iraq must be prevented, and that a warfare in Iraq will cause many negative developments which will affect Turkey.
Baykal who arrived in Turkey after attending the Socialist International meeting in Italy said at Ataturk Airport that the meeting was very beneficial and added that it was considered in a determined manner in the meeting that a war in Iraq must be prevented.
Baykal later responded questions of reporters.
Upon claims saying that U.S. officials held meetings with the terrorist organization KADEK, Baykal said that he hoped that such a contact was not held. He added, ''there are some statements that such a contact was not held. I do not know how much those statements reflect the truth. However, Turkey's expressing its uneasiness on the level of the General Staff reveals that there are some serious determinations on this issue.''
Noting that it was a saddening event and they are against war for this reason, Baykal said, ''it is clear that many distressing developments will occur in case of a war in Iraq. We do not want it. Such a war should be prevented. I am extremely concerned about a possible war in our region. We should act carefully. Issues such as armament of political formations in Northern Iraq and their getting financial power will be brought onto agenda inevitably. Whether we are involved in a possible military operation or not, such a military operation will bring forth extremely serious problems in the region and in Turkey.''
Responding a question about tomorrow's meeting in Istanbul to be held with the participation of foreign ministers of five regional countries, Baykal told reporters, ''the meeting was planned to be held on the level of heads of state. However, it was reduced to the level of foreign ministers later. The meeting was subjected to a serious loss of level. Its influence has been destroyed considerably.''