Ankara to Hashemi: "Stay as along as you want"

Iraq's fugitive Sunni vice president was sentenced yesterday to death by hanging on charges he masterminded death squads against rivals in a terror trial that has fueled sectarian tensions in the country. Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu met yesterday with Tariq al-Hashemi, who arrived in Ankara after Iraqi court sentenced him in absentia to death on the charges. Hashemi told reporters that the meeting with the Davutoglu was planned earlier, adding that they discussed "issues of bilateral and joint interest." While Hashemi declined to comment on the court ruling after talks, Ankara swiftly responded to the decision, saying the vice president could stay in Turkey for as long as he wants. "I was expecting such decision but the legal process is not over yet. Of course I will file an appeal," Hashemi told Davutoğlu, according to information obtained.  He said he would "tackle this issue in a statement" in coming hours. Hashemi is set to hold a press conference on the court’s death sentence today.  Following the meeting, Davutoglu briefed Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. National Intelligence Organization's Undersecretary Hakan Fidan attended to Erdogan-Davutoglu meeting.