Turkey regrets US- British strikes against Iraq

A press release by the Turkish ministry of foreign affairs, a copy of which was published in Damascus on February 18 said the following: The strike conducted by the US and British aircraft to some targets around Baghdad on February 16th is a serious development. We regret that the strikes have caused civilian losses.

The incident has taken place in the No-fly ­ Zone in Southern Iraq. The Allied aircraft at Incirlik have not been engaged in the operation.

The Turkish embassy staff in Baghdad was not been affected by the strikes and they continue to perform their duties as usual.

"We maintain contracts with the US Government regarding the incident and the developments," the statement said.

The statement added :This incident has once again demonstrated the importance of and the priority for finding an early solution to the Iraqi problem, on the basis of the UN Security Council resolutions. Therefore, it is our expectation that due care will be shown and necessary efforts will be deployed in order that a positive conclusion is reached at the talks expected to be held in the coming days between the Iraqi government authorities and the UN Secretary- General.