From Conversation with President of Turkey Turgut Ozal Moscow 25 August 1990 Gorbachev I would like to express my satisfaction that there is political interest in developing economic ties on the part of our neighbor—the government of Turkey I would also like to note with satisfaction the responsible and wise policy of the government of our neighbor Turkey in connection with certain stormy events in our Transcaucasus I think that we have favorable opportunities so that in the spirit that has characterized the development of our relations in recent years we can look at their further development with optimism … Ozal I would like to propose one idea for your consideration It is about creating a zone of economic cooperation in the Black Sea region I believe that this idea will be of interest both for some of your republics and for such countries as Bulgaria Romania and of course Turkey … Gorbachev I welcome your idea as it meets our interests as well as the interests of the countries that you spoke about It also meets our political and economic interests In this situation in this context I am concerned about what is happening now in the Persian Gulf region The dangerous and adventurous policies being pursued there could have very dire consequences for all of us Ozal Unfortunately the wrong position adopted by Iraq has led to the emergence of a major problem for the entire world I think that on this matter our opinion is in line with yours Turkey for its part is fulfilling the decisions made by the UN Security Council especially with regard to sanctions As a result we are suffering great losses but we are doing so in the hope that a wise solution to this problem will still be found In this regard I have one proposal Gorbachev I think that the arguments they put forward to justify their actions are unacceptable to anyone for example they say that Kuwait is their historical land There is no evidence of this and this thesis should be rejected Therefore all the requirements contained in the first resolutions of the Security Council must be carried out and above all the restoration of Kuwait’s independence and sovereignty With regard to our recommendations and views which we regularly convey to the Americans – and we call each other exchange messages – we are sticking to this position we confirm all the fundamental requirements placed upon the Iraqi regime and at the same time are advising our American partners not to succumb to any provocations and not to be involved in any kind of military actions that may have dire consequences I suppose this is the right formula … Ozal I hope President Gorbachev that at this critical hour it is still possible to solve this problem without military conflict Turkey for its part is doing everything to fully implement the embargo and prevent the outbreak of war Gorbachev I think that we really should continue the analysis and search for ways leading to a peaceful settlement of this enormous crisis since any other way – and we are convinced of this – is certainly fraught with consequences that are difficult to predict at present I am pleased Mr President that you and I have a mutual understanding regarding the need to find ways to solve this problem Once again I welcome your initiative AFG Fond No 1 Op No 1 Page 720 Section VI New policy on the Near and Middle East Otvechaya na vyzov vremeni Vneshnyaya Politika Perestroiki Dokumental’nye svidetel’stva Moscow Gorbachev Foundation Novy Mir 2010 Translated by Sarah Dunn for the National Security Archive