Turkish PM slams pro-Israel states

[ 12/10/2010 - 09:54 AM ]

ISTANBUL, (PIC)-- Amid deteriorating relations between Turkey and its once ally Israel, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he still demands an apology from Israel over the attack by its soldiers on a Gaza-bound aid ship from his country.

He also demanded that the Israeli government pay compensation to the families of the victims of the Marmara ship after soldiers raided it and killed nine Turkish activists and caused injury to many others on board.

Erdogan said in a press conference after a meeting with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad in Damascus on Monday that the victims were executed in cold blood. Autopsies revealed that 30 bullets were unloaded into their bodies, which was recognized internationally.

The Turkish premier said he was astonished that some countries hold neutral positions toward Israel while others insist on supporting it “after all of these tragedies”.

“History will not forgive those nations,” the Turkish PM said.

For his part, the Syrian President discussed recent developments in the Mideast, including the suspended peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

He also talked about the new law in Israel forcing non-Jews to pledge allegiance to Israel as a Jewish state, calling the decision racist and fascist.

The Turkish Prime Minister said Syria and Turkey are “sister states”, alluding to the importance of bilateral relations that have evolved in the areas of trade, economy, and politics.

A meeting was held about a week back gathering 12 ministers from Turkey and 12 from Syria.

Erdogan stressed the importance of enhancing strategic teamwork between the two countries, adding that a new step is being taken in Syrian-Turkish cooperation that goes beyond the framework of bilateral relations.

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