Second border gate to Habur on agenda

Turkish Daily News
September 5, 2001

State Minister Mehmet Kececiler visited Habur border gate and the region to examine
the outcome of border economics. Kececiler had a briefing by Governor Huseyin
Baskaya. After the briefing, the state minister told journalists that they are keen on opening a
second border gate in Habur due to Iraq's request. Kececiler  also claimed that the United
Nations will not intervene in the procedure; however, they will apply their rules during the
transits. Kececiler added: "Our wish is the immediate integration of Iraq to the world
economy. We are stable and trying our best to develop our  relations and increase trade with
our neighbors."

Yildirim complains

Salih Yildirim, ANAP Sirnak deputy and vice chairman, said that only a couple of people
in Istanbul and Ankara benefit from the sale of diesel that is brought from northern Iraq.

Yildirim added that people making no effort earn money, and this corruption should be
corrected at once.

The Sirnak governor submitted statistics on Habur gate. According to these statistics,
895,044 vehicles and 335,265 passengers entered and 890,352 vehicles and 316,959
passengers exited the border gate in the last three years. 

Nevertheless, the governor said, the ministry works hard to increase the numbers. Governor
HuseyinBaskaya added that important steps have been taken against weapon and
ammunition smuggling, but the lack of authority on the other side of the gate is still a
considerable problem.
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