Turkey MFA: Outline of Turkey's Iraq policy

Turkey's Iraq policy is based on internationally recognized norms.

Our policy is fully transparent.

Our main principles are as follows:

1. The independence, territorial integrity, sovereignty and national unity of Iraq should be preserved.

2. The future of Iraq should be determined through the full participation and free consent of the Iraqi nation as a whole. Having said that, let us make it clear that we have no preference as to how Iraq should be ruled, as long as it is democratic. But, if asked our friendly advice, we think that an administrative structure along ethnic and religious lines would not be a good idea, because it would strengthen separatist and centrifugal forces and in the long-run may cause fragmentation of the country. Yet, it is not up to us or any other country, to determine the future of Iraq. Determining Iraq's future is up to the totality of the Iraqi people, according to their free will.

3. The natural resources of Iraq must belong to the Iraqi people as a whole. As such, the natural resources should be used for the well-being of the whole population.

4. Iraq should be at peace with itself and with its neighbours. Iraq's weapons of mass destruction capabilities must be eliminated. Iraq must fulfill all UN Security Council resolutions.

5. Mass population movements must be prevented and, if need be, all measures must be taken for emergency relief. Civilians must be protected from all forms of persecution.

6. The rich Iraqi cultural heritage and the environment must be protected.