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Iraq's Neighbors, Egypt Urge Baghdad to Cooperate with Inspections - 2003-01-23


Six Middle Eastern nations have urged Baghdad to fully comply with U-N disarmament resolutions to prevent a possible U-S led war against Iraq.

The foreign ministers of Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia issued the call after talks today (Thursday) in Istanbul. All the countries -- except Egypt -- border Iraq.

The six countries says Iraq must show "active cooperation" with U-N arms inspectors -- something Chief inspector Hans Blix has also told Baghdad.

The conference in Istanbul is part of a concerted diplomatic effort led by Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul to find a peaceful solution to the Iraq crisis. U-S officials have publicly praised Turkey's efforts.

Turkish Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis denied media reports that the conference would try to draw-up a plan for the Iraqi leader to step down and go into exile in another country.

Turkey - a NATO member - could play a key role in the event of military action against Iraq.

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