From new World Media Watch up now at
http://www.zianet.com/insightanalyticalTomorrow at Buzzflash.com
1//The Daily Star, Lebanon Friday, January 28, 2005
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=12166 ASSAD WARNS MIDDLE EAST STATES FACE BREAK-UP THREAT
Turkey warns U.S. to prevent Kirkuk from falling under Kurdish control
Compiled by Daily Star staff
Syrian President Bashar Assad warned the current turmoil in the Middle East is exacerbating ethnic differences which could lead to the break up of some countries in the region.
Speaking to RIA Novosti news agency at the end of his four day state visit to Russia Assad said: "The events in the Middle East could lead to the break-up of several countries in the region, the rise of extremism and religious and ethnic strife."
He added: "This could produce a domino effect that could spread to your region."
His comments will be seen as a barely concealed reference to Iraq and the growing sectarian tensions between the various religious and ethnic groups in the country in the wake of the US-led invasion and occupation.
(snip)
Assad's remarks come as Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Thursday that the United States will bear the consequences of ethnic turmoil in Kirkuk if it fails to prevent the oil-rich city in northern Iraq from falling under Kurdish control.
(MORE)