MRT online, Macedonia
Aug 23 2008

Turkey’s top national security body discusses Caucasus union

Saturday, 23 August 2008

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan briefed the council on his
recent visits to Russia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, as well as the
government’s plans to hold contacts with Armenia on its proposal for
forming a Caucasian union. Foreign Minister Ali Babacan informed the
council on the Tuesday’s extraordinary NATO meeting in Brussels.The
start of the comprehensive talks to end the 44-year division of Cyprus
was expected to top the council’s agenda. However the clashes between
Russia and Georgia have forced Turkey’s National Security Council to
change its agenda. The reunification talks in Cyprus would start on
Sept. 3. Turkey’s National Security Council said in its post-meeting
statement that the cooperation with Northern Cyprus would continue "in
a highly sensitive manner" during the negotiations. The third item on
the MGK agenda includes Iraq and Turkey’s fight against PKK
terrorism. The council reiterated its commitment in fighting against
PKK terrorism.

Тhe status of Kirkuk was also discussed in the meeting.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress