Syria, Iraq meet on water issue, Turkey is absent
Syria-Iraq, Politics, 9/25/1998

On Wednesday talks between the Syrian and Iraqi sides concerning the waters of the Tigris and the Euphrates were discussed in Baghdad. The coordination meetings of the joint technical committees concerning the waters of the two rivers started with the absence of Turkey, which refused the invitation of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry attend these meetings.

Despite repeated invitations, Turkey has not attended the meetings for years. Turkey does not only refrain from attending, but has also started to build several dams on the two rivers which could prevent the flow of water to Syria and Iraq, thereby violating international law in this respect.

In 1997, Syria and Iraq held several meetings with Turkey. All these meetings met with failure in reaching an accord that provides for a fair distribution of the waters.

Both Syria and Iraq depend on the waters of the Euphrates and Tigris to meet their needs for drinking water, irrigation and water generation. The flow of water in the courses of the two rivers had been minimized as Turkey has established several huge dams on the two rivers, foremost being Ataturk dam.

Earlier, the Arab League expressed support for both Syria and Iraq for their right to get their share of waters, according to international laws. It called upon Turkey to honor these laws, implement them and respect the principles of good neighborhood with the Arabs.

Previous Stories:
  Syrian delegation visiting Iraq   (9/24/1998)
  Ankara refuses to revive water committee   (8/27/1998)
  Iraq threatens legal action if Turkey continues building river dams   (8/14/1998)

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