Written question asked by Michael Connarty (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 January 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 26 January 2007. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Wednesday, 31 January 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iraq

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions her Department has had with representatives of Turkey on the implementation by the parliament of Iraqi Kurdistan of Article 140 of the national constitution of Iraq.

Answer: The implementation of Article 140 of Iraq’s Constitution is a matter for the sovereign Government of Iraq and its people. We are aware of Turkish concerns about the future of Kirkuk and have held regular and wide-ranging discussions with Turkey about the situation in Iraq. Our exchanges on Article 140 have focused on encouraging the Iraqi authorities and the UN to ensure that the process on the future of Kirkuk is as transparent and inclusive as possible.

Secondary information