Al-Hakim hails Turkey's role in Iraq

Turkey maintains an equal distance from all Iraqi groups, and welcomes talks with representatives from all sectors of Iraqi society, said President Abdullah Gul yesterday. Receiving Ammar al-Hakim, the head of Iraq's Supreme Islamic Council of Iraq, in Istanbul, Gul said Iraq is entering a critical election period from which it will emerge stronger. For his part, al-Hakim praised Ankara's continued support for Iraq, stressing the importance of consultations with Turkey on a wide range of issues. He added that Turkey has been playing a constructive role in Iraq, saying, "We expect Turkey to continue this role." He also cited Turkey's new consulates in major Iraqi cities as demonstrating the importance Turkey places on Iraq. Al-Hakim also held talks with Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. Speaking at a joint press conference afterwards, Davutoglu said, "Turkey places great importance on all sectarian, ethnic and religious groups coming together to build the future of Iraq in peace." Stating that a stable Iraq benefits the entire region, Davutoglu pledged that Turkey would continue to support Iraq. Al-Hakim also praised Turkey's stance on issues concerning the region and the Islamic world.