Gul: Convincing Iraq is U.S.’ Problem

Reportedly, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell called Gul the other day, assuring him about the interim council’s aversion to Turkish military presence in Iraq. According to diplomatic sources, Powell said, “We know that you are disturbed by the council’s remarks. We will do what is necessary.” Powell added that the U.S. was aware of Turkey’s sensetivities.

In contacts with Temporary Governing Council members and noting their objections, U.S. Appointed Iraqi Civilian administrator Paul Bremer reiterated that the decision to deploy Turkish troops in Iraq was the coalition force’s responsibility. Bremer’s statement came after the council’s weekly meeting where the motion was discussed.

White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan referred to Bremer’s talks with Iraqi Temporary Governing Council members about Turkish deployment and said the meetings would continue.

In addition, U.S. State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher emphasized that the U.S. would not give up on Turkish troops and that objections raised were only from some of the interim governing council members, not from all the council members.

Council chairman Iyad Allawi, explaining the council’s sensitivities regarding Turkish troops, said the council did not oppose U.S.-led occupying forces and that Turkish troops would be approached in a positive manner.

Meanwhile Associated Press (AP) reported that Iraq Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) official Fadil Merani has called for a meeting for all Kurdish groups. KDP Spokesman Mehdi Herki told Reuters, “We do not want them in the north, south, center, east or west. We do not want them to come.”

The Council’s only Turkmen member Songul Cabuk expressed support for Turkish troop deployment.