The New Anatolian

Now why do I get the idea that the Kurds in Northern Iraq will be stitched up? I mean, why would Maliki go to bat for the Kurds? No reason, yes? On the other hand, depending upon what is signed, this could actually give the Turkish Army a fig leaf to go harder against the PKK and the PKK strongholds in Northern Iraq in the Kurdish areas. Bears a close watch! :)

=========


Iraq studying anti-terrorism draft accord with Turkey
The New Anatolian / Iraq
06 August 2007
Iraq on Monday was studying a Turkish proposal to sign an anti-terrorism cooperation agreement with Turkey when Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki visits Ankara on Tuesday, Iraqi government sources reported.Turkey sent a draft of the agreement to Baghdad on Monday and the document is under review, an Iraqi cabinet official told The New Anatolian in a telephone interview. He asked not to be named.The official said the draft came to Baghdad too late but the Iraqis were still giving it careful consideration. Turkish diplomatic sources on Monday told the Anatolian News Agency that Turkey and Iraq will sign an agreement on fight against terrorism during Maliki's visit to Turkey on Tuesday if the draft text is finalized. Diplomatic sources said Monday that Turkey earlier offered Iraq to sign a cooperation agreement to combat terrorism. The two countries are debating the draft agreement, sources said. "We offered them (Iraqi authorities) to sign a cooperation agreement on counter-terrorism and they welcomed this offer. The two countries are now working on a draft agreement but it is not finalized yet. There is a chance that the agreement could be signed during Maliki's visit if it is completed on time," sources added. The agreement envisages strong cooperation between Turkey and Iraq against terrorism. The two countries will also sign trade agreements if preparations are completed.