Turkey's FM says Gaza siege "unacceptable"

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that the tragedy in Gaza should come to an end as soon as possible.

Davutoglu met with German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Westerwelle who is currently in Ankara on a formal visit.

He said at a joint news conference following the meeting, "some circles are talking about a slowdown in Turkey's EU membership process. Actually, one reason for this slowdown is the conjuncture which unfairly holds Turkey responsible for the Cyprus issue -- a totally irrelevant issue from Turkey's EU process-- and which enables the Greek Cypriot administration to use Turkey-the EU relations for its own purposes. Another reason is that the Turkey-the EU relations, unfortunately, become a part of domestic political agenda of the EU-member countries from time to time. But, we are determined. We will further intensify our cooperation ties with all EU-member states including Germany."

Upon a question about the developments in the Middle East, Davutoglu told reporters, "we consider the issue a matter of human rights beyond its aspects of security and stability. Both the Turkish public opinion and the government are quite sensitive about what has happened in Gaza from the very beginning. The tragedy in Gaza should come to an end as soon as possible. This is our duty for the humanity."

"It is unacceptable that 1.5 million people are living in a totally isolated environment. It is just like a ghetto. I held talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Ali Aboul Gheit after some problems emerged during passage of a relief convoy. The Egyptian government gave a positive response to Turkey initiatives. In the end, the convoy arrived in Gaza and began distributing aid to Gazan people," Davutoglu said.

/World Bulletin/