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"I have
previously voiced Turkey's sensitivity on Kirkuk. I
have quoted an official of a very important
organization of Turkey. Two days ago, General Ilker
Basbug reiterated these views. Because these are
strategic interests of Turkey.
"Kirkuk is very important for Iraq. Because it is an
important part of the wealth of Iraq. Kirkuk has
never been affiliated to Kurdistan even when there
was an autonomous Kurdistan in the era of Saddam. It
was always affiliated to Baghdad. Turkey attaches
great importance on this.
"I can say that turning Kirkuk into a Kurd city is
much more unacceptable for Turkey than an
independent Kurdistan. Because its economic
importance is great. Kurdistan means nothing without
Kirkuk.
"Being aware of this, Kurds are doing all they can
to turn Kirkuk into a Kurd settlement. That is the
reason of the close interest recently extended by
Turkey to Turkomans.
"Turkey conveyed this sensitivity to U.S. both
politically and military, for several times. But the
"Non-effective ones" of Bush are listening Turkey's
warnings with deaf ears.
"The only thing they say is "Do not worry.. we
shall..." But developments concern Turkey.
"But what if Turkey carries out a military operation
on the region as New York Times claimed? What will
U.S. then do?
"Turkey has sufficient power to do that. U.S. will
then try to prevent this by political initiatives.
But Turkey's only card is not military
intervention."
Source: Hurriyet, 29 January 2005
Iraq
http://www.turkishweekly.net
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