Turkish FM refutes US’ anti-Iran assassination charges

Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davuto?lu, on Friday dismissed the US allegations against Iran, saying chronology of the country’s administration and conduct have no room for such claims. “Ankara does not believe Iran holding such a stance,” Davuto?lu told a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Ali-Akbar Salehi when asked about the US dispatch of a delegation to Turkey recently to justify its claim of a plot for assassination of Saudi Ambassador to Washington. Also asked about Ankara’s stance on the issue and the impact of such a US approach on international relations, he said, “With regards to such issues, one should show maximum transparency. The one raising such a claim should set forth his reasons explicitly and the one being subject to such allegations too should provide the answer. International crises can be solved in case of transparency” Davuto?lu further said regarding background of statehood in Iran and the country’s rich civilization and past conduct, Ankara does not believe the country having such a stance. “The US says it has some evidences; Saudi Arabia too has taken some stances; now it is necessary for the two sides to present whatever available on the issue and help clarify the issue and remove allegations without allowing any tension to arise.” “Turkey will give any help it can; so, I provided Iranian Foreign Minister with all the information the US delegation had put at my disposal because Iran and Turkey have highly transparent relations in this regard.” To a question by a Turkish reporter that Iran had arrested a PKK force, Iran’s Foreign Minister said he had in talks with the Turkish counterpart rejected the claim. “(PKK's Murat) Karay?lan was not arrested by Iran; had he been arrested, would it have been necessary to free him again? That could be the best chance to serve Turkish brothers. What a benefit could his arrest and release have for Iran? Both PKK and PJAK are terrorist groups and both countries are determined to counter such groups,” he added. Davuto?lu, thanking Salehi for such an explicit response, said Iran and Turkey share necessary connections in this regard, making no difference between PKK and PJAK. Under present juncture in the region, there might be some circles attempting to harm friendship and ties between Iran and Turkey, said Davuto?lu, adding, “So one should be careful and not to provide them with such a chance.”