Report: Further US backing to Iraqi opposition

The Turkish daily Mellit said on Monday that the US diplomat Frank Ricciardone could achieve his mission in setting up a basis to unify Iraqi opposition factions.

The paper reported that Washington is now exerting efforts to create contact channels with the Iraqi people, adding that the US support concentrates on developments after the "possible toppling " of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

The paper said that Washington pledged to prevent large-scale self-rule for the Kurds in northern Iraq, but it stands against the partition of Iraq and the establishment of a Kurdish entity.

The Turkish paper indicated that Washington has realized the great importance of Turkish backing, therefore Ricciardone will next week brief Turkish officials in Ankara on the latest developments pertaining to Iraq.