Jordan, Turkey express concern over military action against Iraq

PETRA (Jordan State News Agency)

August 6, 2002

Jordan and Turkey on Tuesday expressed "deep concern regarding any potential military action against Iraq." During his meeting today with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shekro Sina Jodel, Jordanian Prime Minster Ali Abul Ragheb expressed Jordan's deep concern regarding a potential military action against Iraq.

During the meeting, Abul Ragheb said that such a military action will have destructive consequences on Iraq from the human and economic point of view , as well as negative ones on the region at large.

The Prime Minister highlighted the Jordanian stand that calls for continued dialogue between Baghdad and UN, and defusing tension as well.

On his part, the Turkish Minister affirmed that Turkey's stand of rejection to strike Iraq is identical with the Jordanian one. He expressed his country's conviction of Iraq's territorial integrity and sovereignty' importance .

He stressed the Iraqi people's right of choosing their leadership and self determination .

Concerning the deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territories Abul Ragheb and Jodel agreed on the necessity to intensify international efforts in order to stop violence and return of the two parties to negotiations.

In this regard , Abul Ragheb said that Israel has to withdraw from the Palestinian territories occupied recently, in order to give room for making Arab and international diplomatic efforts succeed in finding a working plan to be turned into reality in preparation for establishment of independent Palestinian state and ensuring security and stability for all parties.

Following the meeting, Jodel told reporters that the Turkish and Jordanian stands regarding a strike against Iraq is identical.

We share concern and believe that all of the region's problems should be tackled by peaceful means, he said.

He affirmed that his discussions with Jordanian Prime Minister Ali Abul Ragheb focused on the region's recent developments and bilateral relations.

Jodel denied Turkey's agreement on using its territories for striking Iraq. We have not been asked and there is no reason for concern pertaining this right now, he said.

Responding to a question Jodel said that Turkey enjoys good relations with Jordan. Jordan and Turkey are the source of stability and moderation in the region, and we believe that consultation between us should continue due to its positive impact on the future developments, he added.

On his part, Jordanian Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher said that consultations regarding the various issues is a must. The region is due to face a bad situation, he added.

He pointed out that the visit of Iraqi and Turkish foreign ministers comes within the framework of consultations. Responding to a question whether there will be a meeting between Iraqi and Turkish ministers in Amman, Dr. Muasher said that there are no plans to hold such a meeting.