Burns received by Davutoglu and Sinirlioglu

Deputy Secretary of State William Burns yesterday had separate talks with Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu to discuss Iran's decision to resume nuclear talks with international society, possible problems to be caused by closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Tehran administration and the latest situation in Iran and anti-terrorism efforts. During the talks, Sinirlioglu stressed that he was concerned over a possible escalation of tension by Iran's nuclear activities, Strait of Hormuz issue and sectarian conflicts. Speaking in his part, Burns indicated that they would neither allow the closure of Strait of Hormuz, nor avoid any military intervention, in case of any blockage. The political deadlock in Iraq was also discussed during the meeting, in which the two countries reiterated their determination to continue their cooperation in fighting the terrorist PKK particularly through the intelligence headquarters established in Incirlik. Sinirlioglu also stressed that Turkey was disturbed by the impacts created on PKK by the escalating ethnic tension in Iraq and pointed out the increasing confusion on the Iraqi-Syrian border. Burns reiterated Russia's decision to support the consensus reached with the Arab League and Sinirlioglu said he was concerned that the Damascus administration might keep the Arab League busy in vain. During the talks, opinions were exchanged on the Cyprus issue and Sinirlioglu expressed his expectations from the US that it should press for reconciliation before the Greek Cypriot administration takes over the EU term presidency.