US spokesman praises Turkey's role in Middle East

"Turkey has played an important role as an intermediary in working through issues related to Middle East peace," Philip Crowley told a daily press briefing on Thursday when responding to a question over a recent diplomatic tension between Turkey and Israel.

"We value that interaction, value Turkey's role in trying to help countries work through these issues. And I would expect that to continue," he said, adding that Turkey and Israel were two important allies and friends of the United States.

/World Bulletin/