Turkey urges Israel to comlpy international law in Palestinian lands

Speaking to reporters, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Burak Ozugergin commented on the recent situation in the Middle East, Israel's new settlements and Turkey's mediation between Syria and Israel.

Ozugergin said Turkey thought construction of 1600 houses which Israel planned was not right either with respect to timing or context.

"This may at least be defined as misfortune at a time when negotiations are underway to resume indirect peace talks between Israel and Palestine," Ozugergin said. He noted, "Turkey wants Israel to abide by international law in Jerusalem and West Bank. We always say even if they are small, such kind of acts blur the big picture."

Ozugergin said tension escalated in the Middle East recently and described the implementations in some places belonging to Islamic culture as "provocative practices". He said they should be halted.

Ozugergin said the talks had reached to a stage when Turkey was mediating the talks, adding that interruption of the talks were because of the developments experienced in Gaza.

"Syrian party again and again expressed willingness to see Turkey as mediator. Although some signals also come from Israel, decision of the state is not clear," Ozugergin added.

Ozugergin reaffirmed Turkey's readiness to continue acting as mediator.


/World Bulletin/