Turkey Supports A Peaceful Solution To Iraq Problem

ANKARA - National Security Council (NSC) decided to advise the government on one hand to continue to search for peaceful ways concerning Iraq, and on the other hand to take necessary steps for making operational the military precautions that will be considered necessary to protect Turkey's national interests against unwelcomed developments by the parliament within a calendar that will be determined by covering the developments, provided that international legitimacy condition required by the 92nd Article of the Constitution is fulfilled.
NSC issued a written statement following its meeting. The statement said general security issues were reviewed in the meeting.
NSC also took up foreign policy developments that closely interested Turkey's security. In this context, recent developments concerning Iraq were also discussed.
The statement went as follows: "Turkey believes that Iraq should be purified from weapons of mass destruction in accordance with the decision no 1441 of the U.N. National Security Council. With this aim, it is important that Iraq administration should display its cooperation actively and timely which it continued so far for activities of the U.N. weapon inspectors. Rapidly sharing the information and documents that will satisfy international community with the U.N. is to the interest of not only Iraq, but also all regional countries that do not want occurrence of a new clash.
Turkey supports peaceful solution of this problem that the international community encounters. To continue exerting efforts for a peaceful solution is still Turkey's priority. It is obvious that inclining towards a military preference will cause objectionable results for the regional countries. International legitimacy and consensus are main principles which influence Turkey's attitude concerning starting of a military operation.
Although Turkey prefers a peaceful solution, it will not refrain from taking precautions to protect its national interests in case a military operation is inevitable."
Under the light of above mentioned views, it is decided to advise the government on one hand to continue to search for peaceful ways concerning Iraq, and on the other hand to take necessary steps for making operational the military precautions that will be considered necessary to protect Turkey's national interests against unwelcomed developments by the parliament within a calendar that will be determined by covering the developments, provided that international legitimacy condition required by the 92nd Article of the Constitution is fulfilled."
NSC EXPRESSES STRONG SUPPORT FOR TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS
NSC expressed its strong support on Friday for Rauf Denktas, the President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) during the negotiation process to find a peaceful, just and lasting solution to the Cyprus question.
NSC also evaluated Cyprus issue in its today's meeting along with other issues. NSC, issuing a written statement after the meeting, underlined the importance of negotiations on the plan presented by the U.N. Secretary General to the sides for solution of Cyprus question and supported continuation of efforts for a solution.
It emphasized the significance of taking determined steps by the Turkish government which were required for the position taken in negotiations that was determined by related institutions and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) authorities.
It underlined the necessity of assuming a constructive and good willed attitude by both sides for the success of talks. It also strongly supported the attitude of Rauf Denktas, the President of TRNC, who was the side that proposed holding direct negotiations, during the negotiation process.