Iraqi Shiite leader Al-Sadr visits Turkey

Iraqi Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr arrived in Ankara late last week to hold a series of talks on Iraq's political process as part of Turkey's efforts to seek compromise among Iraqi groups from different ethnic and sectarian origins to ensure the smooth continuation of the country's democratic process. Al-Sadr was received by President Abdullah Gul at the Cankaya Presidential Palace and also met with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey's Special Envoy to Iraq Murat Ozcelik was also present during the latter meeting with al-Sadr, who is known for his strong opposition to the American occupation of Iraq. The meetings were closed to the press and no statements were released. After completing his talks in Ankara, al-Sadr proceeded to Istanbul to attend a meeting held under Turkey's auspices bringing together representatives of Iraqi Shiite groups to seek consensus on efforts to shape Iraq's future. Five Iraqi deputies also attended this meeting. Analysts say the visit offered al-Sadr an important opportunity to participate in the democratic process in Iraq under Turkey's mediation. They also say that Turkey is expected to assume a more active role in Iraq in the years ahead while the US is preparing to withdraw most of its troops in the country within two years. Al-Sadr spokesperson Sheikh Salah al-Obeidi confirmed that they had asked Turkey to be a more active player in the Middle East for the sake of the region. "Turkey is a good, old friend. Trusting that, we had no hesitation in traveling here," he said. Al-Obeidi also stated that they don't plan to establish a political party but that they have a say in politics. He added that they are still considering which party to support in general elections later this year. Iraq's 275-member Parliament has about 30 al-Sadr loyalists. Al-Sadr, opposed to proposals favoring a confederation of the country, supports the idea of a strong Iraqi central government. Agreeing with Turkey's position on Kirkuk, he does not want it to be left under Kurdish control.