Advertisement

Kurds, Turks renew relations

BAGHDAD, May 2 (UPI) -- A delegation of high-ranking Turkish officials met with Iraqi and Kurdish politicians in Baghdad to strengthen bilateral and good neighborly relations.

Turkish special envoy to Iraq Murat Ozcelik and Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government held formal talks in Baghdad to renew relations after the fallout from Turkish operations against the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK.

Advertisement

Barzani noted his desire to word toward amicable relations with Ankara and recognized the concern regarding the presence of PKK militants on the Iraqi side of the Turkish border. He said the meeting strengthened the importance of resolving disputes with political dialogue, the Kurdistan Regional Government said in a statement.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan told reporters during a visit to Bosnia that the degree of success depending on the Kurdish response to the PKK.

"The manner and stance that will be displayed by the local administration in northern Iraq regarding their discourse and activities concerning the PKK will by all means influence our dialogue -- positively or negatively," Babacan said.

Babacan said: "There is no place for terrorist groups in today's Turkey and in the future Iraq," Today's Zaman said.

Advertisement

Latest Headlines