Points of Agreements Reached by the Foreign Ministers Of Turkey,
Syria, and Iran
November 14, 1992
On November 14, the Turkish foreign minister, Hikmet Cetin, met
in Ankara with Syrian foreign minister Farouq al-Sahra`, and Iranian
foreign minister Ali Akbar Velayati. The three men discussed the
situation in northern Iraq, and expressed disapproval of the establishment
of a Kurdish administration there. After the meeting, Mr. Cetin
held a news conference at which he announced what he described
as the points of convergence reached by the three ministers. These
were reported by the Turkish government in English:
"We discussed and consulted on the problems of our region
which are of close and immediate concern to us. We emphasize that
these consultation are not against anyone or any country.
"We attach utmost importance to the preservation of the territorial
integrity of Iraq, as for all countries, and the maintenance of
its political unity.
"We believe that acts and efforts to divide Iraq and developments
that may lead to the disintegration of Iraq would have negative
and dangerous consequences for regional peace and stability. Therefore,
we oppose all such acts, efforts and developments.
"We think the safety and well-being of the whole people of
Iraq must be secured. The people of Iraq must be secured. The
people of Iraq should not be punished because of the regime in
Baghdad.
"We believe that the future political structure of Iraq can
and must be decided only by the free choice and consent of the
whole people of Iraq, based on democratic principles, respect
of human rights of all segments of the population, and its unity.
"We urge the Government of Iraq to comply fully with all
the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and we hope that
Iraq will soon be able to rejoin the international community.
Any further delay intervention in this regard will increase the
suffering of the people of Iraq and continue to damage the interests
of the countries of the region.
"Reiterating our condemnation of terrorism, we are determined
to continue our common struggle against terrorism directed at
our countries, for the sake of peace, stability, and domestic
tranquillity in the region.
"We shall continue to observe closely the developments in
the region and pursue our consultations as required."