Gul: We Will Apply To Parliament This Week For Authorization

ANKARA - Prime Minister Abdulah Gul said on Monday that they would apply to the parliament this week with a request for authorization about the Iraq issue.
Prime Minister Gul paid a visit to Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal in order to inform him on latest developments in Iraq.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal was also in attendance at the meeting.
Addressing journalists following the meeting, Prime Minister Gul said, ''we have attributed great importance to maintain our dialogue with the opposition since the day when the government was founded. Previously, I paid two visits to Mr. Baykal to give information about the developments. Today, I informed him on the latest developments about the Iraq issue.''
''This week is very critical. We can apply to the parliament this week. In accordance with Article 92 of the Constitution, our parliament is the only authority to take a decision on such issues,'' he said.
Prime Minister Gul told reporters, ''we have expended great efforts to find a peaceful solution till the end. Our efforts have still been continuing. However, hopes to find a peaceful solution have been fading away. Therefore, it is the duty of the government to prepare the country against the worst scenarios in order to protect our national interests and future. Taking into consideration the nine-day religious holiday next week, we will apply to the parliament this week with a request for authorization about the Iraq issue.''
Prime Minister Gul refrained from responding questions about content of the authorization.
He added that he would make detailed statements in coming days.