Presidents Of Iran-Turkey Meet In Holy Mecca

Mecca, Aug 16, IRNA – Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his Turkish Counterpart Abdullah Gul met and conferred on the sidelines of the Extraordinary OIC Summit here Wednesday evening. During the meeting President Ahmadinejad referred to both countries’ broad-scale comprehensive relations, noting, “Events and developments occur and pass by, but our two countries and nations remain side by side of one another and we must work and live with each other.” Stressing that Iran favors establishment of justice and demands respect, Ahmadinejad added that by "resorting to force, no one can achieve victory and prosperity and even if they would, on the day after victory he would not be able to maintain legitimacy and independence.” Pointing out that he has viewpoints regarding reforms, he said, “the reforms themselves are definitely OK and of course I am waiting to see when these reforms would reach the other regional countries.” The president emphasized that the methods applied in reforms should not be accompanied by massacres and wars, adding, “It was surprising for me at this meeting that the kings of some countries were speaking against Syria, while the majority of their own nations, too, do not want them!” Ahmadinejad referred to the plan proposed by the Egyptian President Mohammad Morsi, noting that “Morsi’s proposal was good, but we intend to find a solution based on which the majority of people would have participation in the decision makings in their countries.” About Syria, the president said, “Iran would do anything it can for the establishment of peace, stability and justice in Syria, so that the people would no longer get killed there and the situation would cease to be so complicated.” Abdullah Gul, for his part, said : “We are your friends and you favor establishment of justice; we are after safeguarding our 0wn ideals and we have not come to merely remain at the seat of power and our friendship, too, is not for securing our power, but due to the fact that we wish to take a step for establishment of peace and security.” Turkey’s Zaman News Agency wrote on Wednesday in a report that the two presidents’ meeting amid the chaotic conditions in the region is of significant importance for the bilateral relations for both countries.” Zaman added, “The meeting would be held behind closed doors.”’ Muslim leaders Tuesday began an emergency summit of the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The OIC represents 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide. The Tuesday meeting was presided over by Saudi King Abdullah and was held in the Al-Safa royal palace of Mecca./end