Iraq: The Turkish Perspective
By Ambassador Oguz Çelikkol
Special Representative of Turkey for Iraq
September 27, 2007
Woodrow Wilson Center, Middle East Program, DC
Reporting Allison Block, ATAA Grassroots Program Director
Dr. Haleh Esfandiari, Director of the Middle East Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars introduced Ambassador Oguz Celikkol and moderated the problem. Ambassador Çelikkol was appointed as Special Representative of Turkey to Iraq in December 2005. Previously, he had served for as Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General for the Middle East 2004-2005, and South Asia and as Turkish Ambassador to Syria, 2000-2004. Ambassador Çelikkol also served at the Turkish Mission in the United Nations, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. He holds a PhD in Political Science from the Faculty of Economics of the University of Istanbul.
The Istanbul Summit and the Balance of Power
Amb. Çelikkol explained the importance Iraq plays in Turkish foreign policy, noting that “what happens in Iraq directly affects Turkey,” adding that whatever effects Turkey effects the region and international community. Developments in Iraq do not occur in a vacuum and cannot be contained within Iraq’s borders; they directly affect balances throughout the region.
For that reason, the Neighboring Countries Conference (NCC) was designed for Iraq’s neighbors to have a say in and to participate in the development of Iraq. The first Summit took place in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt. NCC Summit II will take place in Istanbul in November.
Turkmeneli, Iraqi Unity, Regional Stability
Amb. Çelikkol expressed that the most important factor in stabilizing Iraq, though also the most difficult, was security. Amb. Çelikkol stated that the obstacle to stability was the rifts between ethnic and sectarian groups, and their differences on principles to rule Iraq. It was not only a matter of three divisions in Iraq, but also a multitude of micro-nationalist entities that threatened to draw the entire region into turbulence and turmoil. Amb. Çelikkol stated that unity and consensus are required for solutions to issues such as the status of Kirkuk, de-Baathification, and constitutional review.
Regarding the future of Kirkuk, Amb. Çelikkol explained that the Referendum to determine the control of the area will be postponed, because none of the normalization conditions of Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution had been achieved. The Iraqi Turkmen Front Representative, Asif Sertturkmen, explained that the illegal Kurdification of parts of Kirkuk, taking of Turkmen and Arab properties, destruction of the title offices, and oppression of the people by a Kurdish militia based police force, were all violations that required correction before normalization could take place. He reminded the audience that the Turkmen numbered over 3.5 million that covered a large region between the northern and central Iraqi regions.
Amb. Çelikkol also noted that while Turkey was closest to the Turkmens, Turkey’s policies in Iraq were based on productive contact with all groups. To the extent the groups maintain the unity of Iraq, they will be exercising their new freedoms and rights in accordance with the word and sprit of the Constitution. To the extent they do not, they will be violating both domestic and international law, and threatening the security of the region.
The United Nations in Iraq
Turkey is a candidate to the UN Security Council in 2008. Amb. Çelikkol pointed out that Security Council Resolution 1770 broadens the responsibilities of the U.N in Iraq. Amb. Çelikkol advised that the United Nations should play an increasingly dominant role in the development and reconstruction of Iraq. In addition to the work related to elections and legislation, the U.N.’s role should be expanded to areas such as decision-making and reconciliation.
PKK Kurdish Nationalist Terrorism
Amb. Çelikkol stated that the Iraqi Constitution prohibits terrorist organization from operating in Iraq. He stated that Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki was recently in Turkey and signed a Memorandum of Understanding that the Iraqi government recognizes the PKK as a terrorist organization, as do Turkey, the United States and Europe. Amb. Çelikkol added that this week the two countries signed an agreement to cooperate to counter PKK terrorism. Amb. Çelikkol advised that the United States can use its influence on the central government and local authorities to send a message that Iraq must now put action behind its words and fight PKK terrorism.
Turkey’s Contribution in a Unified and Stable Iraq
Amb. Çelikkol expressed that Turkish and US objectives in Iraq harmonize, pointing out that both are determined to see a unified and stable Iraq. The two countries have cooperated on security, technical and reconciliation efforts. Over 60% of the Coalition forces needs are received through Turkey. ATAA President-Elect Gunay Evinch inquired regarding the human cost to Turkey. Amb. Çelikkol stated that, though not a Coalition force, Turkey had the second highest casualties in Iraq following the United States -- mostly Turkish truck drivers, businessmen, engineers, and construction workers.
ATAA’s compilation of Turkey’s contributions in Iraq, based on information provided by the Turkish Armed Forces, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and private sector:
•On 20 March 2003, the Turkish Parliament approved a strong contingent of Turkish Armed Forces for operation in Iraq, but the US rejected the use of Turkish forces.
•Turkey’s Incirlik Air Base is a main logistical support route for US forces in Iraq. Turkey provided Incirlik despite the decision of Germany, France and Belgium not to allow NATO protection. Germany stated that the provision of Incirlik for attacks by the US against Iraq was provocative and contravened NATO policy.
•Diplomatic liaison and dialogue with practically all groups and factions in Iraq.
•Facilitate Sunni participation into political process
•Encourage enhancement of Sunni-Shiite rapprochement
•Arrange media programs for 500 Iraqis
•Military training for 100 high level Iraqi officers
•Turkish Embassy in Baghdad kept active at all times
•Turkish Consulate in Mosul
•Turkish Consulate opening in Basra
•$50 million for reconstruction pledged, $25 million provided
•$1.2 million to International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq
•$5.4 million in Humanitarian assistance
•2 million trucks of supplies into Iraq since 2005 (Over 250 Turkish truckers killed)
•Supply 50% of Iraq’s refined oil need
•Supply 90% of oil need of northern Iraq
•$4 billion in construction work
•270 megawatts of electricity per hour to Iraq, and current efforts to raise to 1200 megawatts, i.e., 25% of total electricity demand
•Reconstruction of Baghdad Razi Hospital
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