Hurriyet DN Online with wires
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Ocak 07, 2009 15:53
Turkey will be given the task of putting together an international force for Gaza, the Associated Press (AP) reported as Ankara said it is ready to participate if a ceasefire is achieved. (UPDATED)
The diplomat, who is familiar with Turkey's efforts to end the conflict, said the responsibility of the force is yet to be determined, AP said.
"Turkey is the best choice given its involvement in several peacekeeping missions in the Middle East," the diplomat was quoted as saying by the agency.
The Turkish broadcaster CNNTurk, citing foreign ministry sources, said Turkey had not received such request, but was ready to participate in a monitoring force if a cease-fire is achieved.
Israel and Hamas said talks are underway on the ceasefire plan of Egypt and France, which get the blessing of the U.S. and the European Union.
The precise details of the proposal and Turkey's involvement in it remain unclear, the AP added. "Nobody knows what function it will have, I cannot say if it will be in charge of border monitors or what it will be," the diplomat told the AP.
Turkey has urged for the formation of an international monitoring force for Gaza and has said it is ready to participate. Turkey currently actively participates in peacekeeping missions in West Bank city of Hebron and Lebanon in the Middle East as well in Afghanistan and Kosovo.
