Turkey Has not Agreed to Use its Land Against Iraq: FM

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, August 07, 2002

Turkey Has not Agreed to Use its Land Against Iraq: FM

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Visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Sukru Sina Gurel on Tuesday denied that his country has agreed to use its territories against Iraq. Instead, he stated Turkey's opposition to any military actions against Iraq.

Speaking at a press conference after meeting with Jordanian Prime Minister Ali Abu Ragheb, Gurel said Turkey shares the stand of Jordan that all of the region's problems should be tackled by peaceful means.

He said Turkey, which is a key NATO ally and hosts a major US air force, has not been asked by the United States to use its territories to launch military actions against Iraq.

"There is no reason to concern pertaining this right now," he told reporters.

He said both Jordan and Turkey are the source of stability and moderation in the region, and consultation between the two countries should continue due to its positive impact on the future developments.

Earlier in the day, Gurel and Abu Ragheb expressed deep concernand opposition to any military action against Iraq, which they warned will cause serious repercussions to the Middle East region as a whole.

During the meeting, Abu Ragheb said that such a military action will have destructive consequences on Iraq from the human and economic points of view and negative impacts on the region at large.

He highlighted the Jordanian stand that calls for continued dialogue between Baghdad and the United Nations and defusing tensions over Iraq.

On his part, the Turkish minister also reaffirmed his country's support for Iraq's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

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Jordan, Turkey Reaffirm Opposition to Strike Against Iraq

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