Despite Turkey's demands, the referendum over the status of the northern Iraqi city of Kerkuk (Kirkuk) that is planned to be held in 2007, will not be postponed, said Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zabari.
In an interview with Cihan news agency in Istanbul, Zabari said the Kerkuk problem will be resolved by the referendum as outlined in the Iraqi constitution.
The referendum will be held under strict controls, and I do not agree that the Kerkuk problem will lead to a civil war, Zabari said, "Turkmen, Kurds, and Arabs will agree on an acceptable solution. This problem will be resolved peacefully and through a common accord."
Zabari, highlighting the good relations between Iraq and Turkey, said he held fruitful meetings on the opening of another border gate, in addition to Habur, the functioning of a Turkish-Iraqi-Syrian railway, and direct Baghdad-Istanbul flights.
‘We do not Want Turkish Soldiers in Iraq'
Zabari complained that Arab and Muslim countries are unwilling to see Turkish military in Iraq, and said, "The Iraqi government asks for peace forces, however, we do not want our neighbors and Turkey to send troops to Iraq. Tunisia, Yemen, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia could send forces." Zabari will today inaugurate Iraq's Istanbul consulate.
Source: Cihan News Agency
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