Yilmaz calls on parliament members to collaborate

Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz yesterday replied to Parliament members' questions following the discussions on Draft Bill on Agreement with Approval of Memorandum of Understanding on Common Use of Kapikoy and Razi Land Border Gates between governments of Turkish Republic and Iranian Islam Republic. Stating that the agreement is considered useful in terms of common customs control, easing of trade on crossings and decreasing infrastructure service costs, Yilmaz said that common use of border gates between the two countries aimed to prevent repeated customs procedures, which would be useful both to Turkey and Iran. "This is the objective of international agreements. If an agreement provided the two parties with benefits, it would be sustainable and useful as well," said Yilmaz. Touching upon yesterday's PKK attacks which occurred in the Cukurca district of southeastern province Hakkari, Yilmaz sent condolences to families and friends of those who have lost their lives as a result of attacks. Yilmaz added that nobody could take political advantages from those attacks and called on Parliament members to collaborate and make their voices heard on the issue so that Turkish people could do the same.