Tariq Aziz: U.S. Threats Dangerous not only for Iraq, but for the Whole Region

The U.S. threats are dangerous not only for Iraq, but for the whole region, vice-premier of Iraq Tariq Aziz stated upon arrival in Turkey on an official visit.

This was disclosed by the Iraqi radio, a RIA Novosti correspondent reports. Washington and London threats are based on "false suppositions," Aziz said, this especially relates to the assertion that Iraq allegedly threatens the United States.

The Iraqi newspaper Babel indicates in turn that Tariq Aziz's visit to Turkey coincides with the visit by U.S. Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Elizabeth Jones. The aim of her visit to Turkey is to discuss a draft of the UN Security Council's new resolution on Iraq, Babel writes.

The newspaper notes that the USA reckons that Turkey will be one of its major partners in case it attacks Iraq. This is the only NATO country having a common border with Iraq. Starting from 1991 Turkey allows using its air bases for patrolling "non-flight zones" in northern Iraq by aircraft of the U.S. and British Air Forces.

However, Ankara has repeatedly stated of late that it is against a military action in Iraq. The Iraqi newspaper indicates that Turkey fears soaring oil prices and the reduction of a number of tourists should the warfare in Iraq start.

According to the society of Turkish-Iraqi business people, since 1991, Turkey has lost USD 45 billion because of the regime of sanctions against Iraq. A new U.S. attack on Iraq will cost it another USD 20 billion.