Iraqi Premier Minister Nuri al-Maliki named preconditions for improvement in relations with Turkey.

Turkey must respect Iraq’s sovereignty and not violate air space, he said in an interview with one of Iraqi TV channels. Talking about relations with Turkey, al-Maliki said Ankara must fulfill certain conditions to improve ties, Dunyabulteni website reported.

Iraq wants to resolve the conflict but certain steps must be made to ease tension, he said calling Turkey not to interfere in Iraq’s internal affairs.