Thursday, August 9, 2012

After Israel, Iraq & Syria, Ankara threatens Iran: "You cannot threaten us!"

"...The two ministers reviewed developments in Syria but did not discuss the transition that will follow President Bashar al-Assad's departure. A statement by Iranian Chief of Staff Hassan Firozabad that some countries, including Turkey, were acting under American influence and that “if these countries continue on this course they should know that after Syria it will be Turkey’s and their turns” cast a heavy shadow over the ministerial meeting. Upon Salihi's arrival in Ankara, the Turkish foreign ministry issued a statement that said: “This is irresponsible. You cannot threaten us.” Davutoglu told Salihi: “We are inviting Iranian officials to cease their baseless remarks about our country and act in the spirit of good neighborliness.”
Four messages for IranThe Turkish Foreign Ministry said that Davutoglu delivered four messages to Salihi:
  • We strongly denounce baseless accusations and extremely imprudent threats issued against our country ....
  • Turkey has always acted in a principled manner, as it did in recent nuclear negotiations......
  • Everyone inside and outside of Syria knows who is responsible for the human drama .... 
  • Irresponsible statements must stop.
Salihi asked Turkey to get involved in efforts to secure the release of 48 Iranian pilgrims kidnapped in Syria. Salihi had called Davutoglu earlier to ask for his assistance. Davutoglu told him, “We are doing everything possible purely out of humanitarian considerations and as called for by our friendship with the Iranian people.”......
Iraq: We have to review our relationsIraqi government spokesman Ali Debbagh said yesterday: “The Iraqi Council of Ministers has decided to review its relations with Turkey in view of Ahmet Davutoglu’s visit to Kirkuk.” He added that a committee was formed under Deputy Prime Minister Hussein Shehristani to review the effects of Davutoglu’s visit and to advise the cabinet as soon as possible. ..."

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