Istanbul, Turkey ? Fearing war could trigger a crisis in the region, Iraq’s neighbors urged Saddam Hussein on Thursday to cooperate fully with U.N. arms inspectors. They avoided any public call for the Iraqi leader to step down.

Foreign ministers of six countries urged Iraq to “confirm its commitment under relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions” to disarm and “embark on the policy that will unambiguously inspire confidence to Iraq’s neighbors.”

“The countries of this region do not wish to live through yet another war and all its devastating consequences,” said a joint communique.

“We therefore solemnly call on the Iraqi leadership to move irreversibly and sincerely toward assuming their responsibilities in restoring peace and stability in the region.”

The ministers from Turkey, Syria, Iran, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia urged Iraq to “demonstrate a more active approach” in providing information on its weapons programs “in full conformity” with U.N. resolutions.

However, Turkish Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis said there was no discussion of urging Saddam to step down to spare his country from war.

“It was not on our agenda. It has never been on our agenda,” Yakis said.