Tuesday, July 31, 2007 | DUYGU GÜVENÇ

Iraqi PM Maliki's visit can mark a historic step for the two countries if joint steps against the PKK are approved, diplomats say

ANKARA - Turkey and Iraq have drafted a document specifying joint measures to stop attacks by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) sheltered in northern Iraq.  The Turkish and Iraqi prime ministers, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Nouri Al Maliki plan to announce the measures in a joint declaration next week.  

  The Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki will come to Ankara after Erdoğan invited him for a visit last June. The Turkish Daily News learned that diplomats from both countries are working on a document that will be made public if the Maliki government does not reject it. A Turkish diplomat, on the condition of anonymity, said that if the Iraqi government does not respond positively to Turkey's calls, then Ankara will remind them of its international rights to self defense.

  “If Turkey is obliged to conduct an incursion into northern Iraq, it will be sure to protect the territorial integrity of Iraq,” a diplomat said. “We would make this issue clear to Maliki during talks.”

  Here are Turkey's expectations from Iraq to block the PKK in Iraq.

  . Taking necessary steps to control the activities of the PKK terrorists in Iraq. It does not necessarily mean arresting them and extradition to Turkey. Iraq has already rejected Turkey's demand on extradition.

  . Stopping the PKK members from using Iraqi television and other means of propaganda. Murat Karayılan, a senior member of the PKK, often appears on Massoud Barzani's TV channel.

  . Thwarting the illegal traffic of guns, drugs and other products from the borders. Increasing cooperation on the border.

  . Stopping Barzani's provocative statements against Turkey.

  . Taking measures to stop Iraqi nationals supporting the PKK by transporting food.

  . Not treating the PKK terrorists in Iraqi hospitals.

No agreement to be signed

  Turkey does not expect extradition of the PKK chieftains anymore, although Erdoğan will repeat this request once again during official talks. The proposal by Turkey to sign an agreement on the fight against terrorism is also not on the agenda of Maliki's visit.

  “If Maliki gives a positive reply, than we will announce the declaration and Turkey will continue to make favorable deals for all Iraqis in economic terms to prove our real intention,” said a Turkish diplomat.

  Maliki is expected to arrive in Turkey during the second week of August. It is not certain yet whether President Ahmet Necdet Sezer will receive Maliki.

Military intervention for a short period

  Ankara is also prepared for disappointment. If Maliki's proposals do not satisfy Ankara, Erdoğan will repeat Turkey's right to self defense, said diplomatic sources.

  “We have two priorities, one is the PKK and the other is Kirkuk. If the Turkish military makes an operation into Iraq, this will be for a short time period just to maintain the unity and territorial integrity of Iraq,” said a high level Turkish diplomat. Drawing attention to the difficulty faced by Maliki to postpone the referendum in Kirkuk, Ankara expects a sign from Maliki to be conveyed to the Kurds on the Kirkuk issue.

Economic package for Iraq

  Turkey is ready to boost its economic ties with Iraq if Maliki's visit will prove Baghdad's willingness to cooperate with Turkey, diplomats said. Supporting the construction projects of Iraqi infrastructure, marketing Iraqi petroleum to Europe, construction of a new pipeline for Iraqi natural gas, which will be linked with the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline are among the projects that Turkey can support.