Turkey confirms indirect Syria-Israel talks ended after Gaza strikes
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Turkey was ending efforts to organize peace talks between Israel and Syria because of the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip, Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan told Monday at a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart. (UPDATED)
"The continuation of the talks under these conditions is naturally impossible," Babacan told reporters after discussions with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit in the Turkish capital of
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"To make war on the Israeli-Palestinian track and at the same time make peace on the Israeli-Syrian track. These two cannot go together," he said.
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At least 51 civilians are among the victims of the Israeli blitz on Hamas-run Gaza Strip that has so far killed more than 310 people, the U.N. said.
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Babacan said
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Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan at the weekend described the Israeli attacks as a "crime against humanity."
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Turkey was angered that the attacks came shortly after a visit to Ankara last week by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to discuss Middle East peace. No Syria-Israel talks have been held since Olmert announced in July that he would step down.
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"We call on  "We, as  He said  "Everybody should restrain from taking steps that could increase the tension. The people of   Babacan also said his country supports the U.N. Security Council's resolution on  IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE "The situation in the region is unfortunately very dangerous. We condemn the attacks, as  "We see the solution in an immediate ceasefire. Both parties should end the armed operations," he said.  "  "We believe that the border gates between  He said  Gheit said Sunday that  GHEIT SLAMS NASRALLAH Gheit also harshly criticized Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah for calling for mass demonstrations in  "Someone yesterday called on the Egyptian people to take to the streets and create an atmosphere of anarchy. In other words, they want an atmosphere of anarchy similar to the one they created in their own country," Gheit told the conference, without naming Nasrallah.  "This person also called on the Egyptian armed forces, but he is not aware of the situation," he added.  "If you do not know, let me tell you that the Egyptian armed forces are tasked with defending  Gheit also underlined that the Rafah crossing point between  In a televised address on Sunday, Nasrallah urged Egyptians to take to the streets "in millions" to force the government to open the Rafah crossing to Gaza, arguing that security forces could not take actions against such a large turnout.  GHEIT MEETS TURKISH PRES, PM Gheit also met with Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan later in the day.  Gul's meeting with Gheit was closed to the press and was also attended by Babacan, Undersecretary of the Turkish Foreign, Ministry Ertugrul Apakan and Senior Adviser from the Turkish Prime Ministry Prof. Dr. Ahmet Davutoglu.  "A cease-fire between Israel and Palestine must be established immediately and relations normalized," Gul was quoted by Anatolian Agency as saying after meeting "Humanitarian assistance to the region must also begin immediately," Gul said. Sources told the agency that Gheit's visit to Ankara was decided during a phone conversation between Gul and his Egyptian counterpart Hosni Mubarak on Sunday. Gheit briefed Gul on the situation prior to the Israeli attack on Gaza and the aftermath of the attack, the agency added. Gul told Gheit that the big picture must be seen in regard to the incidents in Gaza, adding there should not be a division between Palestine and the countries of the region. It would be in the interest of all parties to facilitate a comfortable atmosphere whereby the new U.S. administration can contribute to the peace process, he also said. No one could remain silent against the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, Erdogan was quoted by the Anatolian Agency as saying during his talks with Gheit.  The international community must definitely step in, he added.