Turkish PM "upset" at American Jews, denies rise in anti-Semitism

The Washington Post published an interview with Erdogan on Saturday but it is unclear when the interview took place.

"And I'm very upset at (American Jews) Beginning with the Jews who live in my country, they are witnesses to my attitude toward Jews. As an individual, I have always declared that anti-Semitism is a crime against humanity," Erdogan was quoted as replying when the American Jews organizations' reaction was asked.

In a letter to Erdogan last week, AJC and four other American Jewish organizations expressed profound concern over the current wave of anti-Semitic manifestations in Turkey.

As a prime minister he has always been against anti-Semitism and his frustration is against the current Israeli government because they did not act fairly toward Turkey, Erdogan added, according to the Washington Post.

When the Washington Post reporter said "But I've seen the anti-Semitic signs around Turkey recently," Erdogan replied: "These are individual attempts," according to the transcript of the interview.

Turkey has harshly criticized Israel's operations in Gaza. In the latest incident that strained ties, Erdogan has stormed out of the Gaza session with Israeli president in Davos after the moderator did not give him floor to speak.

Observers say the Davos crisis is unlikely to deteriorate the two countries' relations in the short time but its impacts will be seen indirectly.

ISRAEL-SYRIA WERE CLOSE TO DEAL

The Turkish prime minister said Israel and Syria were "very close" to initiating direct peace talks just days before the start of the Israeli attacks on Gaza, which left more than 1,300 people killed.

Erdogan said Turkey was awaiting a response from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert regarding the Israel's position on peace talks with Syria.

Turkey had been mediating between Syria and Israel. Ankara had ended its efforts after Israel attacked the Gaza Strip.

On the night of December 23, just four days before Israel launched air offensive in Gaza, Erdogan said Israel and Syria were "very close" to moving to direct peace talks on the future of the Golan Heights.

"Olmert's last sentence was, 'As soon as I get back I will consult with my colleagues and get back to you.' As I waited for his response,... on December 27, bombs started falling on Gaza," Erdogan told the Washington Post. Olmert paid a visit to Ankara on Dec. 23 and held a 5.5-hours-long meeting with Erdogan.

Erdogan denied his anger at Israel stems from Olmert's failure to inform him of the impending Gaza operation.

He also revealed that it was he who arranged a secret meeting in Istanbul two years ago between the foreign ministers of Israel and Pakistan, the two countries who do not have diplomatic relations.

No dialogue was published regarding the Davos crisis, signaling the interview was made prior to the incident.