Turkish PM names preconditions for normalization of ties with Israel

For the normalization of relations with Turkey, Israel should fulfill three conditions of Ankara, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told journalists, the Zaman newspaper reported on Friday.

"Turkey will not abandon any one of these conditions. Turkey's conditions are paying compensation to the families of the killed nine Turkish citizens, apologizing to Turkey and lifting blockade on Gaza," Erdogan said.

He said leaders of some countries, acting as mediators in the normalization of relations between Israel and Turkey, persuade Ankara to agree with two conditions - an apology and compensation, and forget about the lifting blockade on Gaza.

However, Ankara insists on fulfilling of all three conditions, as Turkey can not silently watch as Israel keeps Palestinian residents in blockade.

He stressed that he plans to visit Gaza for talks with its authorities.

Earlier, the Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that Israel is ready to negotiate with Turkey to normalize relations without any preconditions.

Relations between Turkey and Israel, which were two strategic and military partners before, worsened after Israeli naval attacks on the "Flotilla of Freedom" carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza on May 31, 2010. Nine Turks fell victim to a confrontation between Israeli soldiers and international human rights activists on the Turkish ship.

Ankara later demanded that Israel issue an official apology, order an independent international investigation, and pay compensation, however, Tel Aviv has refused.


/Trend/