Talabani Does Not Want Turkish Troops in Northern Iraq

Talabani, a member of Iraq’s Temporary Governing Council, made a statement yesterday in Sydney Australia and reiterated that the IPUK is against the Turkish army’s presence in Northern Iraq and said, "If Turkish soldiers intend to be on duty in our region, may God help them."

In a statement made in Tokyo last Friday, Talabani said, "We want to see more international forces in Iraq; however, we are against the presence of the Turkish Army [in Iraq]."

In response, U.S. officials said, "We, as the U.S., want Turkish troops to join the Stability Force in Iraq."

Regarding Talabani’s statements, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gul said yesterday, "You’ll see in the future if they want us or not."

Foreign News Services / Istanbul / TURKEY