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GUL WARNS IRAN NOT TO MISS OPPORTUNITY FOR PEACE
By Ramil Ismayilov, Vusal Guzelov, Cihan News Agency, Baku, Cihan
Zaman, Turkey
June 20 2006
With the nuclear crisis between the Iranian administration and the
international community reaching a critical level, Turkey increased
its efforts to find a peaceful solution.
Tehran is expected to give its response to the "package of incentives"
proposed to end the tension ahead of the G-8 summit on June 29.
With only days remaining before a response is expected, Foreign
Minister Abdullah Gul, who continues his efforts with the Iranian
administration, met his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki at the
Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) foreign ministers meeting
held in Azerbaijan.
At the OIC foreign minister's meeting convening for the first time
in a Turkic republic.
Gul sent the messages "support the Annan Plan and take the opportunity
of a peaceful solution," to Mottaki.
Gul also met host country Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev.
Turkish and Iranian foreign ministers, at news conference after their
meeting, revealed their pleasure at the outcome of the 45-minute talks.
When reporters asked, "What did you talk about?" Gul simply responded,
"We spoke about positive things."
In the meeting, Gul once again emphasized "the importance of finding
a solution to the crisis through peaceful and rational means."
Mottaki thanked Turkey for its "facilitating efforts" for a solution
and asked for "the continuation of these sincere contributions."
Mottaki also said they are trying to conclude their works on an
official response to the package of incentives and they will inform
Turkey on this issue.
Western countries gave Tehran a deadline of the June 29 G-8 Summit
to reply to the package.
Gul may go to Tehran in the upcoming days to continue efforts for a
solution in his "facilitating role."
Economic issues were also handled in the talks. Gul invited Mottaki
and the Iranian Minister for Energy to attend the opening of the
Baku-Ceylan pipeline, to which Mottaki positively accepted, should
his political program allow.
The 33rd Session of OIC foreign ministers meeting began with the
recitation from the Qur'an at the Gulistan Palace and President Aliev,
in his opening remarks, sent the message.
"Islam is a religion of peace and freedom. It is wrong to identify
Islam with terrorism," and asked for support on the issue of the
Armenian occupation.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Russia joined the
three-day meetings in Baku as observers.
By Ramil Ismayilov, Vusal Guzelov, Cihan News Agency, Baku, Cihan
Zaman, Turkey
June 20 2006
With the nuclear crisis between the Iranian administration and the
international community reaching a critical level, Turkey increased
its efforts to find a peaceful solution.
Tehran is expected to give its response to the "package of incentives"
proposed to end the tension ahead of the G-8 summit on June 29.
With only days remaining before a response is expected, Foreign
Minister Abdullah Gul, who continues his efforts with the Iranian
administration, met his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki at the
Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) foreign ministers meeting
held in Azerbaijan.
At the OIC foreign minister's meeting convening for the first time
in a Turkic republic.
Gul sent the messages "support the Annan Plan and take the opportunity
of a peaceful solution," to Mottaki.
Gul also met host country Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev.
Turkish and Iranian foreign ministers, at news conference after their
meeting, revealed their pleasure at the outcome of the 45-minute talks.
When reporters asked, "What did you talk about?" Gul simply responded,
"We spoke about positive things."
In the meeting, Gul once again emphasized "the importance of finding
a solution to the crisis through peaceful and rational means."
Mottaki thanked Turkey for its "facilitating efforts" for a solution
and asked for "the continuation of these sincere contributions."
Mottaki also said they are trying to conclude their works on an
official response to the package of incentives and they will inform
Turkey on this issue.
Western countries gave Tehran a deadline of the June 29 G-8 Summit
to reply to the package.
Gul may go to Tehran in the upcoming days to continue efforts for a
solution in his "facilitating role."
Economic issues were also handled in the talks. Gul invited Mottaki
and the Iranian Minister for Energy to attend the opening of the
Baku-Ceylan pipeline, to which Mottaki positively accepted, should
his political program allow.
The 33rd Session of OIC foreign ministers meeting began with the
recitation from the Qur'an at the Gulistan Palace and President Aliev,
in his opening remarks, sent the message.
"Islam is a religion of peace and freedom. It is wrong to identify
Islam with terrorism," and asked for support on the issue of the
Armenian occupation.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Russia joined the
three-day meetings in Baku as observers.