U.S. Statement on Reported Re-opening of Turkish-Iraqi Rail Links

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
May 7, 2001

Taken Question (5/7/01)

TURKEY-IRAQ: RAIL LINK

Q: Can you comment on reported re-opening of rail links between Turkey
and Iraq? Does ILSA come into play?

A: We have seen the reports on the re-opening of rail links between
Turkey and Iraq. Turkey has a long history of cooperation with the
international community in matters relating to Iraq. We are concerned,
of course, by reports of any action that could give Iraq the false
impression that it might be able to conduct trade outside of the
UN-controlled oil-for-food program in contravention of Security
Council resolutions.

-- We remain in close consultation with Turkey and other neighbors of
Iraq on the best ways to manage trade with Iraq and prevent Iraq's
gaining access to military and other sensitive goods.

-- ILSA is the Iran-Libya sanctions act, so it does not apply in this
case.