U.S. Does Not Oppose Opening Of Turkish Embassy In Iraq

”Is there any objection from the U.S. to opening of Turkish Embassy?” asked journalists to Gul who said that ”there is no objection in question.”

Foreign Minister Gul said that there was no full security atmosphere in the region, adding that the U.S. didn’t take the responsibility of protecting everybody and that was quite normal.

When reminded about the news telling that the U.S. would not recognize the Turkish Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Gul said that ”none of these news is true.”

Upon another question about the statements of Wolfowitz, Gul said that ”we are not after journalism. We govern the state. We attribute importance to Turkey-U.S. relations.” Gul said that the full text of Wolfowitz’s speech had to be read out, adding that Wolfofitz stressed the importance of Turkish-American relations in his speech. Gul said that the decision taken by the parliament about the motion had to be respected, adding that ”now, we look at the future. The thing that is important for us is the future. Turkish-American relations would continue on a much more sound basis in the future.”

Responding to a question asking if Turkey would take part in the Stability Force planned to be formed in Iraq, Gul reminded that generally no soldier from neighbouring countries were sent to the concerned country. ”We are not after sending soldiers at all costs,” said Gul.

When asked how he assessed the draft resolution prepared for lifting of the embargo on Iraq, Gul said that Turkey wanted gathering of the U.N. Security Council as soon as possible and to assess the issue. ”We wish the embargo to be lifted,” Gul said.

Gul said that the war ended and everything had to turn to normal, adding that ”this decision will help in normalization of the things in the Middle East and Iraq.”

AMBASSADOR PAKSUT LEAVES FOR BAGHDAD

Turkey’s Ambassador in Baghdad departed from Ankara on Thursday to return to his post.

Paksut and an accompanying 10-people delegation left for Baghdad early in the morning.

Activities of Baghdad Embassy were halted as of February 26 because of the extraordinary situation in Iraq.