Turkey concerned over Iraq clashes

Foreign Ministry spokesman Namik Tan said at a weekly press briefing that the developments in Iraq were a huge priority and of great importance to Turkey.

In Baghdad and in the south, U.S. forces are in a standoff with militia loyal to radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

"We are engaged in efforts to make every contribution we can to save Iraq from this disastrous environment," said Tan, adding that Turkey was continuing to send humanitarian and financial aid to the country.

Brahimi invited to Turkey
Tan also noted that Turkey was keeping an eye on the work of U.N. special envoy to Iraq Lakhdar Brahimi and his team and said an invitation had been extended to Brahimi to visit Turkey for talks.

"We are in close dialogue with Brahimi, and we expect a more active role from the United Nations in Iraq," added Tan