Gul: UN resolution important, but not necessary

Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said today that a United Nations resolution on Iraq was important for Turkey, but added that it was not a necessary prerequisite for Turkey sending troops to the country.

Speaking before leaving for New York to attend celebrations for 58th anniversary of UN, Gul noted that he would be addressing the UN Assembly on September 26 and meeting with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

He said he will attend a D-8 ministerial meeting, Afghanistan special meeting, anti-land mine conference and Southeast Europe foreign ministers meeting in New York.

He said he would also meet with around 30 foreign ministers, including Chinese, Greek, US and UK representatives.

He will go to Brussels and Rome after he completes New York schedule.