Turkish envoy conveys Israel offenses to UNSC

vTurkey has "strongly" warned Israel at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for that country's policy and activities against the Palestinians.

Turkey's UN Permanent Representative Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan conveyed to the UNSC Turkey's thoughts on Israel and Palestinians at the monthly meeting on the Middle East.

Israel must end the forced evacuation of the Palestinians in Jerusalem and end Jewish settlements on occupied territories. Israel must also end the tragedy in Gaza, Apakan stressed.

Turkey fully supports international efforts so that the peace process in the Middle East is restored, Apakan said.

Talks in the region must resume without further delay, Apakan said.

Israel has demolished the homes of Palestinians in Jerusalem. Palestinian families have been forced out of Jerusalem. Israel has cancelled the residential permits of Palestinians living in Jerusalem. The number of Palestinians whose residential rights have been taken away in East Jerusalem in 2008 is 21 times bigger than the average in the past four decades, Apakan said.

The international community does not accept Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem. The issue of Jerusalem should be resolved by making this city the capital of two states that will live side by side in peace. The demographic structure, status, cultural and religious system in Jerusalem must be preserved, Apakan noted.

Arawakan called on Israel to end forceful evacuation of Palestinian homes and end the demolishment of these residences.

Israel should refrain from acts agitating the population in Jerusalem and protect the status of Jerusalem as indicated in resolutions of the UNSC, Apakan said.

Jewish settlements on occupied territories are not legitimate according to international laws. Israel must withdraw from territories occupied in 1967 and end the Jewish settlements on these territories, Apakan stressed.

/World Bulletin/