Bulletin de liaison et d'information - Institut kurde de Paris

Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basm Ozeti
Iraq, Kurds still in dialogue despite break: Baghdad
BAGHDAD, Jan 16 (AFPfIfaq and iliè-Kilidish fëictionswhidi:llave cé>ntr6llea-the nortlf-of the cotiiltry in
defiance of Baghdad for almost a decade are still in dialogue despite their differences, a senior official said
Tuesday.
"The dialogue between the Iraqi leadership and the main Kurdish parties in the north has never been cut off,
despite our reservations over much of their policies and their positions," said foreign ministry undersecretary
Nizar Hamdoun. Iraq wants "to pursue the dialogue with these parties," he said, quoted in Al-Rafidain newspaper.
But the embargo, the western-imposed no-fly zone over Iraqi Kurdistan and frequent US-British air strikes "have
up until now prevented the normalisation of the situation," he said. "Once circumstances allow, I am convinced
Iraq will be capable of normalising the situation."
Two rival factions, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and Kurdistan Democratic Party, have held northern Iraq
since 1991 following Baghdad's defeat in the Gulf War over Kuwait. Although part of the fragmented Iraqi opposition,
they have criticised US efforts to overthrow President Saddam Hussein.
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TON - 17 Jan 2001
Cem to visit Iran
Diplomatic sources say Cem will discuss important bilateral and international issues during his two-day visit to
Tehran. Topics to be covered during Cem's visit range from security issues to a natural gas deal
Kemal TIter
Ankara - Turkish Daily News
Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will paya significant visit to Iran in the second half of February, the Turkish
Daily News has learned. Diplomatic sources in Ankara told the TON that Cem would discuss important bilateral and
international issues during his two-day visit. Topics that will be covered during Cem's visit range from security
issues to natural gas deal.
Security is still a crucial matter in Turkish':'Iranian relations, even though Iran declared that it did not allow any PKK
facilities in its territory. Officials close to the Turkish government told the TON that Turkish-Iranian relations regarding
the security issue are not at a desirable level. They added that Turkey expected a struggle to combat terrorism
from the Iranian side. As a political subject, developments in the Caucasus region are also expected to be discussed
during meetings of the two ministers.
Officials close to the Turkish Foreign Ministry also told the TON Cem's visit will be a response to Iranian Foreign
Minister Kemal Kharrazi's visit to Turkey which was held in Jan. 2000. Drawing attention to the economic dimensions
of the visit the same officials noted: "As two neighboring countries, we have a very insufficient trade volume.
We are trying to increase this volume. It is well known we will purchase natural gas from Iran an~ that will cause
an increase in trade volume, however it will be a trade deficit for Turkey."
One of the important economic subjects which will be on the agenda during meetings is transportation and customs
problems between the two countries. Turkish vehicles are able to reach Central Asian countries through Iran and
Iran is also able to reach Europe over Turkey. Because of inadequate customs capacities both countries' vehicles wait
in front of border gates unnecessarily.
There is no doubt that the natural gas deal will be an important subject during the meetings. Construction of the
Turkish-Iranian natural gas pipeline continues despite the, United States' opposition to the project, While the Iranian
section of the pipeline is nearing completion, a lot of work still needs to be done on the Turkish side.
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