Maliki expresses Iraq'a willingness to mend ties with Turkey

Speaking to a local TV channel, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki said Baghdad wants to mend ties with Turkey based on several conditions. "We will be pleased to see the presence of Turkey and Turkish companies in Iraq if Ankara respects Iraq, doesn't interfere in our domestic affairs and doesn't violate Iraq's airspace," Maliki stressed. Stating that Iraq does not want to see Turkey and other neighboring countries damaged, Maliki said neighboring countries must be in the best shape possible for the region to embrace stability.