Cablegate: Iraq/Kirkuk:Mfa Statement On Turkey's Fact-Finding

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

152155Z Jul 04

UNCLAS ANKARA 003948

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/I AND EUR/SE; BAGHDAD ALSO FOR MNF-I

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MARR PINR TU IZ
SUBJECT: IRAQ/KIRKUK:MFA STATEMENT ON TURKEY'S FACT-FINDING
MISSION

REF: ANKARA 3945

1. The MFA Spokesman made the statement in para 2 to the
press on July 14, addressing the Turkish fact-finding
delegation that visited Kirkuk July 6-11. (Comment: This
statement is calmer in tone than the points the GOT passed to
us privately, reftel. End Comment.)

2. Begin informal Embassy translation of the MFA press
statement:

MFA Spokesperson Namik Tan,s Response to a Question Related
to the Visit of a Delegation to Kirkuk with the Company of
the MFA/Iraq,s Special Deputy Representative

As is known, there have been a number of news reports related
to speculation about the future of Kirkuk after the war as
well as efforts aiming at changing the population structure
of the city, which have created unrest and anxiety among
Kirkuk residents.

Continuation of peace and security in Kirkuk, where groups
from various ethnic and religious backgrounds live together,
influences Iraq,s stability and internal balances as well as
the stability, peace and welfare of the region.

Information on the situation in Kirkuk and our sensitivity on
the matter were brought to the attention of PUK leader Jalal
Talabani during his previous visit to our country. Indicating
that he was talking on behalf of other groups in the north,
Mr. Talabani suggested that a Turkish delegation should go to
Kirkuk for an on-site investigation of the current situation.
Therefore, a delegation led by the MFA Deputy Iraq Special
Representative and with the participation of representatives
from relevant institutions went to Kirkuk in July 6-11, 2004.

Our delegation was in intensive contacts with people from all
levels of society in Kirkuk, as well as the American and
British diplomatic representations there.

Our delegation established that there were serious efforts to
change the demographic structure of Kirkuk which were
supported by construction activities, and that some elements
constituting the Iraqi nation were concerned about that
situation.

Those, who were exposed to forced migration during the
previous Iraqi regime, have the right to return back to their
old place of residence, if they want. However, we believe
that this should be done by public consent in compliance with
records and equity and far from discrimination and
exploitation, in a regular manner, avoiding fait accompli,
after the establishment of a government based on permanent
constitution. The mentioned criteria are for Iraq to be
peaceful both towards its nation and international community.

Turkey will continue monitoring developments in Kirkuk
carefully and closely in negotiation with other neighboring
countries, and will continue warning the Iraqi Interim
Government, international and regional organizations and all
relevant parties.

end text.
DEUTSCH

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