Jaafari said that democracy was new in Iraq and that Turkey had made positive steps concerning democracy at home and that great progress had also been made in Iraq. "For the first time all groups are being represented by the government."

The Iraqi premier praised Turkey for its support: ''Turkey has always supported us. We will never forget the countries which supported us. Ministers who accompany me will hold meetings with their Turkish counterparts to create new cooperation opportunities between Turkey and Iraq. Iraq aims to develop its cooperation with all countries and establish relations on the highest level. We want Iraq to become a source of stability in the region."

Commenting on the security issue in Iraq, Jaafari said, ''we will take measures to prevent filtering of armed groups from foreign countries to Iraq. We will also ask related countries to take strict measures. We will be in dialogue and cooperation with related countries. Turkey has never supported terrorism and never become a side in this issue.''

In reply to the question of the present status of Kirkuk the Iraqi PM said, ''Kirkuk is a sensitive and important city. It reflects demographic structure of Iraq which includes diversity. Unity and integrity of Iraq as well as identity of Kirkuk will be protected.''