Iraq’s preservation of its territorial integrity and national unity is of paramount importance for peace, stability and prosperity in the Middle East. These are the priorities of our policy. Political reconciliation is the key for Iraq to emerge as a secure and stable country. Efforts of the Iraqi Government and people to stabilize Iraq through political dialogue should be supported.
The Maliki Government should make good use of the adoption of the Pensions, Justice and Accountability, Budget, Amnesty and near adoption of the Provincial Powers laws to push forward the political accommodation. Other crucial pieces of national legislation, such as the Hydrocarbon and Provincial Election laws should be the next steps in this process.
Recent clashes in Basra exposed the fragile nature of the stability in Iraq. It remains yet to be seen whether the national government will emerge stronger and the city will become securer. We expect that these events will positively contribute to the nation building experience in Iraq.
Turkey enjoys a privileged network of communication with all the political groups and community leaders in Iraq without any exception. This network is put to use to facilitate the political accommodation and reconciliation among various Iraqi groups.
The neighboring countries process initiated by Turkey has developed into a unique international forum. Today we gladly observe that, under the guidance of the Neighboring Countries process, objectives of the Iraqi Government towards achieving a unified, stable, democratic and pluralist Iraq; evolved to become an integral part of the international “acquis”.
Elimination of the PKK terror organization’s presence from Iraq and from the agenda of Turkish-Iraqi bilateral relations is our major security objective. Such a development will energize our bilateral cooperation and will help achieve our common objective of establishing a stable, prosperous, peaceful Iraq, free of terrorist activity. We consider our relations with Iraq as a multi-dimensional integrated whole. Energy, economy and reconstruction are the most important dimensions of this whole.
Our firm stance on the security issue does not necessarily lead us to compromise on diplomatic flexibility. Recent visit of President Celal Talabani to Turkey, upon the invitation extended by our President is a very clear indication in this regard. We have an ongoing communication with the local administration in the north of Iraq. Representatives of northern Iraqi groups visit Turkey and contact the relevant Turkish authorities. Not only KDP and PUK but also KIU have long since established liaison offices in Turkey.
The final status of Kirkuk is another major concern. A hurried referendum might have triggered ethnic clashes in Kirkuk. Therefore, we welcome the postponement of Kirkuk referendum. By postponing the referendum, the Arab, Kurdish, Turcoman and Christian groups in Kirkuk gained critical time and political ground to negotiate a consensus solution which might preferably be based on a special status for their province. Participation of all parties in this debate is the healthiest way to find a most realistic and sustainable solution.
Turkey has a satisfactory representation in Iraq. We have our Embassy in Baghdad and a Consulate General in Mosul. We will be opening our Consulate General in Basra shortly. We are willing to move forward with our idea of establishing a secure qualified industrial zone on the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border. We are coordinating our efforts with Iraq, UK, Kuwait and Japan for this initiative.