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ISTANBUL - ``North of Iraq must not be a shelter for PKK terrorist organization. PKK must be declared as a terrorist organization. We expect satisfactory steps to be taken,`` Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in his meeting with Iraqi Deputy President Tariq al-Hashimi in Istanbul on Wednesday.
Stressing that protection of Iraq`s territorial integrity and unity is very important, Erdogan said that participation of Sunnites in elections has already started to yield positive results.
Noting that Shiite-Sunnite conflict is very dangerous, Erdogan said, ``Arabians must avoid of this conflict.`` Hashimi said they agree with Erdogan about the issue and they try to act carefully.
Erdogan and Hashimi also discussed presence of PKK in the north of Iraq.
Hashimi said that Iraq will not allow acts that will cause uneasiness in Turkey regarding this issue. Hashimi committed to exert every type of effort to prevent such acts.
Regarding Kirkuk issue, Erdogan said, ``Kirkuk should have a special status. This is important for Iraq`s unity.``
Hashimi said that Kirkuk has a special situation, adding that an appropriate method of administration is necessary. Hashimi also supported Erdogan`s views about the issue.
Regarding opening of second and third border passes between Turkey and Iraq as well as economic relations, Erdogan and Hashimi affirmed that they share a common understanding.
-MEETING WITH TURKMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS-
Following his meeting with Hashimi, Erdogan met 7 Turkmen parliamentarians (at Iraqi Parliament).
Turkmen parliamentarians expressed pleasure that they were invited to Turkey without a discrimination of Sunnite and Shiite.
Erdogan recommended Turkmen parliamentarians not to deteriorate their unity, and also act together without making any discrimination to be a more influential political group.
Erdogan also briefed the Turkmen parliamentarians about Turkey`s fight against terrorism.
Asking Turkmen deputies to pursue a more active policy against terrorist organization in the north of Iraq, Erdogan also exchanged views about Kirkuk issue with the deputies.
