Turkey may Intervene in Kerkuk

In reference to a report by the International Crisis Group (ICG), the Times claimed that if the Kurds win a majority of the city council in the elections, Kirkuk may become a ticking bomb.

The article expressed the view that the resulting situation may push Turkey toward intervention to Kirkuk in order to protect the Turkmen population.

A top-level official in Ankara was quoted as saying, "We are looking at this issue in its entirety and see it as a problem that may put Iraq’s future in danger."

Although Turkey supports the Iraqi elections, the article claims, Kirkuk should be excluded form the elections at least until a constitution in Iraq is formed.

Turkish officials recently rejected such claims. Turkey has been defending Iraq’s unity. Turkish Army officers have said Turkey signed written aggrements. Senior offcers frequently confirmed that Turkey respects Iraq’s national borders.

Source: Cihan News Agency, and other news sources Mosul, 27 January 2005