Iraqi Oil Minister: Kirkuk Belongs to Iraq

In Ankara for the 15th round of the Joint Economic Board Meeting between Turkey and Iraq, Ghadban spoke of latest developments to Zaman. Expressing that Kirkuk was one of the key points in Iraq, Ghadban said, "Kirkuk belongs to Iraq. It is the only way for the future and interest of both Iraq and Kirkuk." Ghadban pointed out that Kurdish, Turkmen and Arabic societies in the city had to work together to live in a peace and congruity. Remarking that Turkey was a trustful neighbor, the guest minister recorded that Turkey’s access to European Union (EU) would advantage Iraq, too. Ghadban said that Turkish Petroleum Cooperation (TPAO) had applied them to make explorations and went on to say: "We have several months to prepare oil fields and legal regulations. I think that we will make a brilliant cooperation with TPAO in the future.