Turkish president says "very good things" to happen in Kurdish issue

"It would be wrong to leave the solution of this issue to foreign developments," Gul told reporters Tuesday on board a flight to Tehran where he will pay an official visit, Turkish broadcaster NTV reported on its website.

 

Turkey shares the same views with the new Washington administration on various topics including Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as the Kurdish issue, and seeks to continue mutual cooperation on those, he was quoted as saying by NTV.

 

"The first five-six months are crucial, it ends the way it begins. We should not just criticize the U.S., but should put our thoughts forward as well," Gul added.

 

Turkey is among the countries that have entered the radar screen of the new administration in its first months, as it prepares to begin the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and seeks to boost forces in Afghanistan.

 

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton paid a one-day visit to Turkey at the weekend and President Barack Obama is scheduled to come early April.

 

Gul said the election of Obama creates new opportunities for the Middle East. "Everybody has a great responsibility. Every country in the region, including Turkey and Iran, should fulfill their duties," Gul said, according to NTV.

 

He and Clinton had discussed the Iranian issue during their meeting on Saturday, the Turkish president said, adding he plans to deliver his impressions to Iranian officials.