Turkey's FM calls roadmap in Palestine-Israel talks insufficient

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Sunday that Turkey favored a settlement guaranteeing rights of Palestinian people and protection of sacred places of Jerusalem.

Davutoglu, currently on a one-day visit to Syria, met with Syrian President Bashar al-Asad, Syrian Assistant Vice President Hassan Turkmani and Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallim.

Speaking to reporters following his meeting with al-Asad, Davutoglu said Turkey wanted peace to be restored between Palestine and Israel.

Commenting on the four-month waiting process envisaged within the scope of Arab Peace Initiative, Davutoglu said the roadmap was insufficient. He said they wanted to see concrete results.

Davutoglu underlined necessity of reaching a compromise among Palestinian groups, and said "I also talked to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. We have open channels with Hamas. Future of Palestine is important and everybody should act together for this."

Asked if the United States had an initiative for Turkey to assume the role of mediator for Syria-Israel indirect peace talks, Davutoglu said "the initiatives so far have been made under Turkey's own will. Nevertheless, U.S. President Mr. Barack Obama earlier stated that he would be pleased over Turkey's mediation in indirect peace talks."

Davutoglu emphasized importance of common will of the regional countries in the peace process. "Turkey assumed a very objective stance and will continue to do its best," he noted.

Davutoglu reaffirmed Turkey's support to Arab Peace Plan admitting 1967 borders between Syria and Israel.

Turkish foreign minister also expressed his satisfaction over the enhancement of relations between Syria and Lebanon.


/World Bulletin/