Turkish, Iranian executives discuss Iraq, Syria, radar system

ANKARA (A.A) - January 12, 2012 - Turkish executives and speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majles) of Iran discussed bilateral relations, developments in Iraq, Syria and radar system on Thursday. Ali Larijani is visiting the Turkish capital of Ankara upon an invitation of Turkey's Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek. Larijani first met Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu over breakfast, and then came together with Parliament Speaker Cicek. During his talks with Turkish executives, Larijani took up bilateral relations, ways to boost relations between Turkish and Iranian parliaments, and developments in Syria and Iraq. Meeting Cicek, Larijani stressed strong historical ties and neighborly relations between Turkey and Iran, and said two countries agreed to further improve bilateral relations.  During the meetings, Turkish executives expressed concern over developments in Syria and Iraq and said al-Assad regime should end bloodshed in Syria immediately and meet rightful reform demands of Syrian people. On Iraq, executives underlined importance of exerting concerted efforts to make Iraq a country of peace, stability and prosperity. Both Turkey and Iran reaffirmed that sectarian image of developments in Syria and Iraq would not serve peace and stability in the Middle East. Turkish and Iranian executives also said the two countries should contribute to regional stability. Early warning radar system, established in Turkey, was also brought up in the meetings. Turkish executives said the radar did not have an attack capability, but it was a defense system against ballistic missile threat that had spread in the region.