18 sep 2013
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday defended the military's downing of a Syrian helicopter which he said violated its airspace.
"The Turkish Armed Forces did what's necessary," Erdogan told a press conference, a day after its warplanes shot down the military helicopter which was detected 1.2 miles inside Turkish airspace.
In first public remarks after the incident, the premier recalled that his country had changed the military rules of engagement toward war-torn Syria and authorised its military "in certain areas."
"We have publicized that those rules will be invoked in such circumstances like border violations," Erdogan said, adding that Turkey invoked the rules after the Syrian helicopter "paid no heed to repeated warnings."
In a statement Monday, the Turkish military said one of the two patrolling Turkish F-16 jets shot down the helicopter which violated the airspace in the vicinity of the Guvecci border post.
Syria's army also confirmed that the helicopter had been shot down by Turkey, accusing Erdogan of trying to "escalate" tensions between the two neighbors.
Turkey changed rules of engagement after the downing of one of its fighter jets by the Syrian air force in June 2012.
Erdogan had then announced that any military element that approaches the Turkish border from Syria would be considered a threat and treated as a military target.
Relations have deteriorated between Damascus and Ankara, who were once close allies, since the outbreak of an uprising against Syrian President Bashar Assad and the unleashing by the regime of a brutal crackdown on rebels in March 2011.
Turkey has consistently lobbied for the ouster of Assad and provided shelter for Syrian rebels seeking to overthrow him.
The long, volatile border between the two countries has become increasingly tense.
And the Turkish military has repeatedly struck back in response to shells and mortar rounds from the Syrian side since a deadly shelling in October which killed five of its nationals in a border town.
"The Turkish Armed Forces did what's necessary," Erdogan told a press conference, a day after its warplanes shot down the military helicopter which was detected 1.2 miles inside Turkish airspace.
In first public remarks after the incident, the premier recalled that his country had changed the military rules of engagement toward war-torn Syria and authorised its military "in certain areas."
"We have publicized that those rules will be invoked in such circumstances like border violations," Erdogan said, adding that Turkey invoked the rules after the Syrian helicopter "paid no heed to repeated warnings."
In a statement Monday, the Turkish military said one of the two patrolling Turkish F-16 jets shot down the helicopter which violated the airspace in the vicinity of the Guvecci border post.
Syria's army also confirmed that the helicopter had been shot down by Turkey, accusing Erdogan of trying to "escalate" tensions between the two neighbors.
Turkey changed rules of engagement after the downing of one of its fighter jets by the Syrian air force in June 2012.
Erdogan had then announced that any military element that approaches the Turkish border from Syria would be considered a threat and treated as a military target.
Relations have deteriorated between Damascus and Ankara, who were once close allies, since the outbreak of an uprising against Syrian President Bashar Assad and the unleashing by the regime of a brutal crackdown on rebels in March 2011.
Turkey has consistently lobbied for the ouster of Assad and provided shelter for Syrian rebels seeking to overthrow him.
The long, volatile border between the two countries has become increasingly tense.
And the Turkish military has repeatedly struck back in response to shells and mortar rounds from the Syrian side since a deadly shelling in October which killed five of its nationals in a border town.
16 sept 2013
The Syrian army has confirmed that Turkish warplanes have shot down a Syrian military helicopter.
Early on Tuesday, the army said in a televised statement that the helicopter was "targeted directly by Turkish warplanes."
The statement further described Turkey’s move in downing the helicopter as “hasty", adding that Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's government is trying to escalate tensions with such a move.
"Given that the helicopter was on its way back and that it was not on a combat mission, the hasty Turkish reaction is proof of the true intentions of Erdogan's government towards Syria, which are to create tension and escalate the situation at the border between the two countries," it added.
The statement also noted that the military helicopter was "lost... while it was on a reconnaissance mission to monitor the infiltration of terrorists via the Turkish border".
On Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc told reporters that a Syrian MI-17 helicopter was downed over the southern province of Hatay after it strayed two kilometers into Turkish airspace.
Arinc said there was no information about the fate of the crew because the helicopter fell on Syrian soil. He also noted that Turkish air defense had repeatedly warned the Syrian helicopter to leave Turkey's airspace before being hit by missiles.
The shooting happened almost a year after Syrian air force shot down a Turkish warplane after it entered Syria's airspace. The plane fell in Syrian waters and near the village of Um al-Touyour. Ankara, however, insisted at the time that the plane had entered Syrian airspace but quickly left when warned, and was shot down in international airspace several minutes later.
Following this incident in June 2012, the Turkish government changed its military rules of engagement towards Syria. From that time on, every military element that approached the Turkish border from Syria would be considered as a threat. (Video on the link)
Early on Tuesday, the army said in a televised statement that the helicopter was "targeted directly by Turkish warplanes."
The statement further described Turkey’s move in downing the helicopter as “hasty", adding that Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's government is trying to escalate tensions with such a move.
"Given that the helicopter was on its way back and that it was not on a combat mission, the hasty Turkish reaction is proof of the true intentions of Erdogan's government towards Syria, which are to create tension and escalate the situation at the border between the two countries," it added.
The statement also noted that the military helicopter was "lost... while it was on a reconnaissance mission to monitor the infiltration of terrorists via the Turkish border".
On Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc told reporters that a Syrian MI-17 helicopter was downed over the southern province of Hatay after it strayed two kilometers into Turkish airspace.
Arinc said there was no information about the fate of the crew because the helicopter fell on Syrian soil. He also noted that Turkish air defense had repeatedly warned the Syrian helicopter to leave Turkey's airspace before being hit by missiles.
The shooting happened almost a year after Syrian air force shot down a Turkish warplane after it entered Syria's airspace. The plane fell in Syrian waters and near the village of Um al-Touyour. Ankara, however, insisted at the time that the plane had entered Syrian airspace but quickly left when warned, and was shot down in international airspace several minutes later.
Following this incident in June 2012, the Turkish government changed its military rules of engagement towards Syria. From that time on, every military element that approached the Turkish border from Syria would be considered as a threat. (Video on the link)
Turkey warplanes shoot down Syrian helicopter
Turkey’s deputy prime minister says Turkish warplanes have shot down a Syrian military helicopter after violating the country’s airspace.
A Syrian MI-17 helicopter was downed over the southern province of Hatay after it strayed two kilometers into Turkish airspace, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc told reporters on Monday.
Arinc said there was no information about the fate of the crew because the helicopter fell on Syrian soil. He also noted that Turkish air defense had repeatedly warned the Syrian helicopter to leave Turkey's airspace before being hit by missiles.
Unconfirmed reports say militants fighting against the Syrian government have killed the helicopter's two pilots. There are also reports suggesting that one of the pilots was captured by militants while the second pilot's fate is unknown.
The Syrian government has yet to comment on the incident.
The shooting comes almost a year after Syrian air force shot down a Turkish warplane after it entered Syria's airspace. The plane fell in Syrian waters and near the village of Um al-Touyour. Ankara, however, insisted at the time that the plane had entered Syrian airspace but quickly left when warned, and was shot down in international airspace several minutes later.
Following this incident in June 2012, the Turkish government changed its military rules of engagement towards Syria. From that time on, every military element that approached the Turkish border from Syria would be considered as a threat. (Video on the link)
Turkey’s deputy prime minister says Turkish warplanes have shot down a Syrian military helicopter after violating the country’s airspace.
A Syrian MI-17 helicopter was downed over the southern province of Hatay after it strayed two kilometers into Turkish airspace, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc told reporters on Monday.
Arinc said there was no information about the fate of the crew because the helicopter fell on Syrian soil. He also noted that Turkish air defense had repeatedly warned the Syrian helicopter to leave Turkey's airspace before being hit by missiles.
Unconfirmed reports say militants fighting against the Syrian government have killed the helicopter's two pilots. There are also reports suggesting that one of the pilots was captured by militants while the second pilot's fate is unknown.
The Syrian government has yet to comment on the incident.
The shooting comes almost a year after Syrian air force shot down a Turkish warplane after it entered Syria's airspace. The plane fell in Syrian waters and near the village of Um al-Touyour. Ankara, however, insisted at the time that the plane had entered Syrian airspace but quickly left when warned, and was shot down in international airspace several minutes later.
Following this incident in June 2012, the Turkish government changed its military rules of engagement towards Syria. From that time on, every military element that approached the Turkish border from Syria would be considered as a threat. (Video on the link)
6 sept 2013
Turkish official says talks to end diplomatic crisis are to yield results soon. 'I do not see any political obstacle standing in the way of normalization,' official says
A Turkish official said Thursday that Turkish-Israeli talks to end a diplomatic crisis between the two countries are on track and can be concluded at any time, Turkish newspaper Today's Zaman reported.
“This should not surprise anyone,” the official, who spoke this week on condition of anonymity, told the Turkish newspaper regarding progress in the normalization process, adding “I do not see any political obstacle standing in the way of normalization,” the official said.
Relations between Israel and its former strategic partner, Turkey, were badly frayed in 2010 when Israeli nine Turkish activists were killed in an IDF raid on a boat challenging Israel's naval blockade of the Hamas Islamist-run Gaza Strip.
Turkey has demanded a formal apology from Israel over the deadly naval raid, compensation for victims and their families and for the Gaza blockade to be lifted.
Ankara expelled Israel's ambassador and froze military cooperation after a UN report into the incident, released in September 2011, largely exonerated the Jewish state.
Israel has voiced "regret", short of the full apology demanded, and has offered to pay into what it called a "humanitarian fund" through which casualties and relatives could be compensated.
An improvement in Israel-Turkey ties would help regional coordination to contain spillover from the Syrian civil war.
A Turkish official said Thursday that Turkish-Israeli talks to end a diplomatic crisis between the two countries are on track and can be concluded at any time, Turkish newspaper Today's Zaman reported.
“This should not surprise anyone,” the official, who spoke this week on condition of anonymity, told the Turkish newspaper regarding progress in the normalization process, adding “I do not see any political obstacle standing in the way of normalization,” the official said.
Relations between Israel and its former strategic partner, Turkey, were badly frayed in 2010 when Israeli nine Turkish activists were killed in an IDF raid on a boat challenging Israel's naval blockade of the Hamas Islamist-run Gaza Strip.
Turkey has demanded a formal apology from Israel over the deadly naval raid, compensation for victims and their families and for the Gaza blockade to be lifted.
Ankara expelled Israel's ambassador and froze military cooperation after a UN report into the incident, released in September 2011, largely exonerated the Jewish state.
Israel has voiced "regret", short of the full apology demanded, and has offered to pay into what it called a "humanitarian fund" through which casualties and relatives could be compensated.
An improvement in Israel-Turkey ties would help regional coordination to contain spillover from the Syrian civil war.
24 aug 2013
Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized the United States for condemning his remarks over the involvement of the Israeli regime in the ouster of former Egyptian president, Mohamed Morsi.
On Tuesday, Erdogan said in a nationally televised speech that Israel was behind the military-backed toppling of Morsi last month.
His remarks angered Israel, the United States, and the new government in Cairo. The White House condemned the comments as offensive, unsubstantiated and wrong.
"Why is the White House making a statement on this? The White House should not have spoken about this. If there's somebody to speak on this, it should have been Israel," the Turkish premier said in televised remarks on Saturday.
Erdogan also noted that Washington’s condemnation “upset” him, adding, "This is very important to show the world's double standards.”
Speaking to a meeting of his Justice and Development Party on Tuesday, Erdogan blamed the Tel Aviv regime for Morsi’s ouster, saying, "What do they say about Egypt: democracy is not the ballot box. Who is behind this? It's Israel."
“We have the evidence in our hands,” he also said citing remarks made by an Israeli justice minister to a 2011 forum in France in which he allegedly said Morsi would not be to stay in power even if he won the presidential election.
Egypt has been experiencing unrelenting violence since the army toppled Morsi on July 3, suspended the constitution and dissolved the parliament.
On Tuesday, Erdogan said in a nationally televised speech that Israel was behind the military-backed toppling of Morsi last month.
His remarks angered Israel, the United States, and the new government in Cairo. The White House condemned the comments as offensive, unsubstantiated and wrong.
"Why is the White House making a statement on this? The White House should not have spoken about this. If there's somebody to speak on this, it should have been Israel," the Turkish premier said in televised remarks on Saturday.
Erdogan also noted that Washington’s condemnation “upset” him, adding, "This is very important to show the world's double standards.”
Speaking to a meeting of his Justice and Development Party on Tuesday, Erdogan blamed the Tel Aviv regime for Morsi’s ouster, saying, "What do they say about Egypt: democracy is not the ballot box. Who is behind this? It's Israel."
“We have the evidence in our hands,” he also said citing remarks made by an Israeli justice minister to a 2011 forum in France in which he allegedly said Morsi would not be to stay in power even if he won the presidential election.
Egypt has been experiencing unrelenting violence since the army toppled Morsi on July 3, suspended the constitution and dissolved the parliament.
22 aug 2013
A political analyst has described recent anti-Israeli remarks by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan as “strange” and “hypocritical,” Press TV reports.
In a Wednesday interview with Press TV, Naseer al-Omari, writer and political commentator, criticized the Turkish premier for his double-standard policy toward the Israeli regime.
“It is really a little hypocritical to be having wonderful relationships [with Israel] when it comes to cooperation and when it comes to military issues and then, on the other hand, you condemn them for what you say are suspicious activities in Egypt,” said Omari.
On August 20, the Turkish premier said the Tel Aviv regime is behind the military coup d’état in Egypt which led to the ouster of former president, Mohamed Morsi, on July 3.
Erdogan added that he has “evidence” for his remarks. Hundreds of people, mostly pro-Morsi supporters, have been killed in the aftermath of the military overthrow.
It is “truly strange” that the Turkish prime minister challenges other regimes, while “he’s doing something similar in Syria,” Omari added.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu later said that Erdogan has been misunderstood and that the prime minister was referring to a mentality that led to Morsi’s ouster and not an Israeli plot.
Ankara has played a key role in fueling over two years of deadly turmoil in Syria by financing, training and arming the foreign-backed Takfiri groups operating in the crisis-hit country.
In April, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview with the Turkish media that Erdogan “has not said a single word of truth” since the outbreak of violence in the Arab state in 2011.
In a Wednesday interview with Press TV, Naseer al-Omari, writer and political commentator, criticized the Turkish premier for his double-standard policy toward the Israeli regime.
“It is really a little hypocritical to be having wonderful relationships [with Israel] when it comes to cooperation and when it comes to military issues and then, on the other hand, you condemn them for what you say are suspicious activities in Egypt,” said Omari.
On August 20, the Turkish premier said the Tel Aviv regime is behind the military coup d’état in Egypt which led to the ouster of former president, Mohamed Morsi, on July 3.
Erdogan added that he has “evidence” for his remarks. Hundreds of people, mostly pro-Morsi supporters, have been killed in the aftermath of the military overthrow.
It is “truly strange” that the Turkish prime minister challenges other regimes, while “he’s doing something similar in Syria,” Omari added.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu later said that Erdogan has been misunderstood and that the prime minister was referring to a mentality that led to Morsi’s ouster and not an Israeli plot.
Ankara has played a key role in fueling over two years of deadly turmoil in Syria by financing, training and arming the foreign-backed Takfiri groups operating in the crisis-hit country.
In April, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview with the Turkish media that Erdogan “has not said a single word of truth” since the outbreak of violence in the Arab state in 2011.
21 aug 2013
The former foreign minister slammed the Turkish PM for his claims Tuesday that Israel was behind the military coup that ousted Egypt's President Morsi.
A day after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed that Israel was behind the coup that ousted Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi, former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman responded, saying that he is the successor to Nazi Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels.
Erdogan told members of his party on Tuesday that "Israel is behind the coup in Egypt, we have evidence." Erdogan mentioned the words of a French Jewish intellectual as evidence, who said in 2011 that the Muslim Brotherhood will not take power even if they were to be elected since "democracy is not the ballot box." Erdogan's comments were broadcast on state television.
On a tour of Arad on Wednesday, Lieberman, who is currrently chair of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, said that "anyone who heard Erdogan's words, which were filled with hate and incitement, understands without any doubt that this is a continuation of the way of Goebbels."
"His plottings are along the lines of the Dreyfus Affair and the Elders of Zion," he added, referring to two well-known instances of anti-Semitism.
Lieberman added that he "recommends that everyone that attacked me and Yisrael Beitenu on their absolute opposition to apologize to the Turks about the Marmara (the Gaza Flotilla) incident, to draw conclusions and hold themselves to account."
Erdogan's comments on Tuesday sparked global condemnation. White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters the U.S. strongly condemned the claims. "Suggesting that Israel is somehow responsible for recent events in Egypt is offensive, unsubstantiated, and wrong," he said.
In March, reconciliation efforts between Israel and Turkey began after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Erdogan to apologize for the botched raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla in 2010 that killed eight Turks and one Turkish-American.
Erdogan suggested that normalization of ties with Israel would take time, hinting that Turkey wanted to ensure the victims of the flotilla raid were compensated and Israel remained committed to the easing of restrictions of goods to Gaza before restoring relations. The two countries have yet to decide on the exact sum of compensation that would be given to the flotilla victims' families.
US slams Erdogan Israel claim on Morsi ouster
The White House on Tuesday condemned Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's claim that Israel had a role in toppling ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the comments were "offensive and unsubstantiated and wrong."
A day after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed that Israel was behind the coup that ousted Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi, former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman responded, saying that he is the successor to Nazi Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels.
Erdogan told members of his party on Tuesday that "Israel is behind the coup in Egypt, we have evidence." Erdogan mentioned the words of a French Jewish intellectual as evidence, who said in 2011 that the Muslim Brotherhood will not take power even if they were to be elected since "democracy is not the ballot box." Erdogan's comments were broadcast on state television.
On a tour of Arad on Wednesday, Lieberman, who is currrently chair of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, said that "anyone who heard Erdogan's words, which were filled with hate and incitement, understands without any doubt that this is a continuation of the way of Goebbels."
"His plottings are along the lines of the Dreyfus Affair and the Elders of Zion," he added, referring to two well-known instances of anti-Semitism.
Lieberman added that he "recommends that everyone that attacked me and Yisrael Beitenu on their absolute opposition to apologize to the Turks about the Marmara (the Gaza Flotilla) incident, to draw conclusions and hold themselves to account."
Erdogan's comments on Tuesday sparked global condemnation. White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters the U.S. strongly condemned the claims. "Suggesting that Israel is somehow responsible for recent events in Egypt is offensive, unsubstantiated, and wrong," he said.
In March, reconciliation efforts between Israel and Turkey began after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Erdogan to apologize for the botched raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla in 2010 that killed eight Turks and one Turkish-American.
Erdogan suggested that normalization of ties with Israel would take time, hinting that Turkey wanted to ensure the victims of the flotilla raid were compensated and Israel remained committed to the easing of restrictions of goods to Gaza before restoring relations. The two countries have yet to decide on the exact sum of compensation that would be given to the flotilla victims' families.
US slams Erdogan Israel claim on Morsi ouster
The White House on Tuesday condemned Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's claim that Israel had a role in toppling ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the comments were "offensive and unsubstantiated and wrong."
20 aug 2013
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Israel was behind last month’s military coup in Egypt. Erdogan told a meeting of the provincial chairs of his ruling Justice and Development, or AKP, party that he has evidence that Israel was involved in the July 3 overthrow of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, the Turkish Hurriyet news service reported.
“Who is behind this? Israel. We have evidence,” the prime minister said, according to Hurriyet.
He cited as proof a statement by a French intellectual he identified as Jewish, who told the Israeli justice minister during a visit to France before Egypt’s 2011 elections, “The Muslim Brotherhood will not be in power even if they win the elections. Because democracy is not the ballot box,” Hurriyet reported.
The White House condemned Erdogan’s remarks.
“Suggesting that Israel is somehow responsible for recent events in Egypt is offensive, unsubstantiated and wrong,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters later Tuesday.
Turkey downgraded diplomatic ties with Israel and later expelled Israel’s ambassador following the Mavi Marmara flotilla incident in May 2010 that resulted in the deaths of nine Turkish nationals in a confrontation with Israeli Navy commandos. The ship was trying to evade Israel’s maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized to Erdogan in March for the incident, and representatives of the countries have met for reconciliation talks. The talks reportedly are held up over the amount of compensation that Israel is to pay to the families of the Turkish casualties and how the payments are to be characterized.
“Who is behind this? Israel. We have evidence,” the prime minister said, according to Hurriyet.
He cited as proof a statement by a French intellectual he identified as Jewish, who told the Israeli justice minister during a visit to France before Egypt’s 2011 elections, “The Muslim Brotherhood will not be in power even if they win the elections. Because democracy is not the ballot box,” Hurriyet reported.
The White House condemned Erdogan’s remarks.
“Suggesting that Israel is somehow responsible for recent events in Egypt is offensive, unsubstantiated and wrong,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters later Tuesday.
Turkey downgraded diplomatic ties with Israel and later expelled Israel’s ambassador following the Mavi Marmara flotilla incident in May 2010 that resulted in the deaths of nine Turkish nationals in a confrontation with Israeli Navy commandos. The ship was trying to evade Israel’s maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized to Erdogan in March for the incident, and representatives of the countries have met for reconciliation talks. The talks reportedly are held up over the amount of compensation that Israel is to pay to the families of the Turkish casualties and how the payments are to be characterized.
4 aug 2013
Egyptian authorities have canceled a planned visit to Gaza by the Turkish Prime Minister, a popular Egyptian news site said Sunday.
Youm7, or the seventh day, quoted Egyptian diplomatic sources as saying that Tayyip Erdogan's visit to the Gaza Strip had been canceled following the military ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi and subsequent change in government.
The Gaza trip was also canceled because of Erdogan's support for the Muslim Brotherhood, Youm7 reported.
A senior official in the ruling Hamas movement said in June that Erdogan was due to visit the coastal territory in July, but the Turkish leader's press secretary had stressed that the date was still undecided.
The Turkish leader has previously said his visit to Gaza would be aimed at pushing for an end to Israel's blockade on the tiny coastal territory which has been in place since 2006.
Egypt's state prosecutor said last week that ousted President Mohamed Mursi was detained for questioning over suspected collaboration with Hamas in attacks on police stations and prison breaks in early 2011.
Hamas condemned the move, saying it was "based on the premise that the Hamas movement is hostile," spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told AFP in response.
"This is a dangerous development, which confirms that the current powers in Egypt are giving up on national causes and even using these issues to deal with other parties -- first among them the Palestinian cause."
Youm7, or the seventh day, quoted Egyptian diplomatic sources as saying that Tayyip Erdogan's visit to the Gaza Strip had been canceled following the military ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi and subsequent change in government.
The Gaza trip was also canceled because of Erdogan's support for the Muslim Brotherhood, Youm7 reported.
A senior official in the ruling Hamas movement said in June that Erdogan was due to visit the coastal territory in July, but the Turkish leader's press secretary had stressed that the date was still undecided.
The Turkish leader has previously said his visit to Gaza would be aimed at pushing for an end to Israel's blockade on the tiny coastal territory which has been in place since 2006.
Egypt's state prosecutor said last week that ousted President Mohamed Mursi was detained for questioning over suspected collaboration with Hamas in attacks on police stations and prison breaks in early 2011.
Hamas condemned the move, saying it was "based on the premise that the Hamas movement is hostile," spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told AFP in response.
"This is a dangerous development, which confirms that the current powers in Egypt are giving up on national causes and even using these issues to deal with other parties -- first among them the Palestinian cause."
13 june 2013
Mossad director Tamir Pardo
The director of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency has met secretly with the Turkish intelligence agency’s undersecretary and discussed the latest regional developments.
Turkish Hurriyet newspaper reported on Wednesday that the secret meeting between Tamir Pardo and Hakan Fidan took place in Ankara on June 10.
During the meeting, the pair discussed the situation in Syria, Iran’s nuclear energy program as well as anti-government demonstrations and protests across Turkey.
The two men also discussed intelligence sharing between Ankara and Tel Aviv.
In addition, Pardo asked for an appointment to meet with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, but he did not receive a reply.
Israel has not confirmed the Turkish news report.
The anti-government unrest began after police broke up a sit-in staged in Taksim Square on May 31 to protest against the demolition of Gezi Park.
The protesters say the park, which is a traditional gathering point for rallies and demonstrations as well as a popular tourist destination, is the city's last green public space.
The death toll from clashes between anti-government protesters and police in Turkey has reportedly reached five.
Amnesty International has censured the Turkish police for the tactics they have used to control the protests.
On Thursday, Erdogan issued a "last warning" for thousands of protesters to evacuate Gezi Park in the city of Istanbul.
The director of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency has met secretly with the Turkish intelligence agency’s undersecretary and discussed the latest regional developments.
Turkish Hurriyet newspaper reported on Wednesday that the secret meeting between Tamir Pardo and Hakan Fidan took place in Ankara on June 10.
During the meeting, the pair discussed the situation in Syria, Iran’s nuclear energy program as well as anti-government demonstrations and protests across Turkey.
The two men also discussed intelligence sharing between Ankara and Tel Aviv.
In addition, Pardo asked for an appointment to meet with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, but he did not receive a reply.
Israel has not confirmed the Turkish news report.
The anti-government unrest began after police broke up a sit-in staged in Taksim Square on May 31 to protest against the demolition of Gezi Park.
The protesters say the park, which is a traditional gathering point for rallies and demonstrations as well as a popular tourist destination, is the city's last green public space.
The death toll from clashes between anti-government protesters and police in Turkey has reportedly reached five.
Amnesty International has censured the Turkish police for the tactics they have used to control the protests.
On Thursday, Erdogan issued a "last warning" for thousands of protesters to evacuate Gezi Park in the city of Istanbul.
24 may 2013
Turkey will construct a 2.5-kilometer long wall across a border gate with Syria to prevent ‘illegal crossings into the country,’ a report says.
The Turkish daily Hurriyet reported on Wednesday that Turkish Trade and Customs Minister Hayati Yazici had announced that the wall would be built along the Cilvegozu gate with Syria in Turkey’s southern province of Hatay.
The minister added that a protocol had already been signed with the Turkish Armed Forces on the construction of the wall.
“According to the protocol, we have defined a project that aims to increase the security of the military zone by building a part barbed wire, part concrete wall with security camera system,” Yazici stated.
The Turkish minister said Ankara would also expand the use of X-ray control devices in the border area.
“These devices scan cars while they cross the border. We sent them to Cilvegozu and we are working to increase their number.”
The Cilvegozu gate is located about ten kilometers from the central part of the Turkish town of Reyhanli, where two car bomb attacks claimed over 50 lives and injured more than 100 people on May 11.
Yazici said Ankara had closed the Yayladagi border gate with Syria after the Reyhanli bombings to prevent suspects from fleeing. The Yayladagi gate is situated some 90 kilometers from Reyhanli.
Ankara has accused Damascus of being behind the bombings, but the Syrian government holds Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan responsible for the attacks.
Syria says Turkey has facilitated the flow of arms, explosives, vehicles, militants and money into the country over the past months of turmoil.
The Turkish daily Hurriyet reported on Wednesday that Turkish Trade and Customs Minister Hayati Yazici had announced that the wall would be built along the Cilvegozu gate with Syria in Turkey’s southern province of Hatay.
The minister added that a protocol had already been signed with the Turkish Armed Forces on the construction of the wall.
“According to the protocol, we have defined a project that aims to increase the security of the military zone by building a part barbed wire, part concrete wall with security camera system,” Yazici stated.
The Turkish minister said Ankara would also expand the use of X-ray control devices in the border area.
“These devices scan cars while they cross the border. We sent them to Cilvegozu and we are working to increase their number.”
The Cilvegozu gate is located about ten kilometers from the central part of the Turkish town of Reyhanli, where two car bomb attacks claimed over 50 lives and injured more than 100 people on May 11.
Yazici said Ankara had closed the Yayladagi border gate with Syria after the Reyhanli bombings to prevent suspects from fleeing. The Yayladagi gate is situated some 90 kilometers from Reyhanli.
Ankara has accused Damascus of being behind the bombings, but the Syrian government holds Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan responsible for the attacks.
Syria says Turkey has facilitated the flow of arms, explosives, vehicles, militants and money into the country over the past months of turmoil.
8 may 2013
Israel: “Reconciliation With Turkey Enabled Us To Strike Syria
”Senior Israeli military and security officials stated that the reconciliation with Turkey, and the progressing relations between Ankara and Tel Aviv, enabled Israel, over the last few days, to carry out several air strikes against Syrian targets.
Israeli Yedioth Aharonoth quoted Israeli officials stating that the apology made by Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, for the death of nine Turkish activists on board the MV Marmara solidarity ship, on May 31 2010, allowed Israel to operate freely in the north without fearing a confrontation with Ankara.
The officials said that the reconciliation and good relations with Turkey would eventually lead to a future regional cooperation “against Iran and terrorist groups in the region”.
They also said that the current relations with Turkey also granted Israel an enormous international support regarding air strikes carried out, last Sunday and Thursday, against Syrian targets, especially U.S. and British support.
Meanwhile, Israeli media sources reported that Tel Aviv and Ankara are about to sign an agreement for financial compensation for the victims of the Israeli attack on MV Marara.
Furthermore, senior Israeli Foreign Ministry officials held a meeting, Monday, in an attempt to determine the amount of the proposed financial compensation.
The Israeli paper further reported that the meeting was described as positive, and that both parties managed to reach a draft agreement, but added that “there are other related issues that need to be addressed before the final deal is sealed.”
An Israeli official said that Israel estimates the compensation amount to reach five or six million USD, and in return, Turkey vows to void all lawsuits filed against Israeli military officials, and soldiers, involved in the attack and the death of the nine Turkish solidarity activists.
In addition, Turkey reportedly promised to approve an amendment that allows the Turkish government to prevent Turkish citizens from suing Israel or its soldiers in the future.
Israeli Yedioth Aharonoth quoted Israeli officials stating that the apology made by Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, for the death of nine Turkish activists on board the MV Marmara solidarity ship, on May 31 2010, allowed Israel to operate freely in the north without fearing a confrontation with Ankara.
The officials said that the reconciliation and good relations with Turkey would eventually lead to a future regional cooperation “against Iran and terrorist groups in the region”.
They also said that the current relations with Turkey also granted Israel an enormous international support regarding air strikes carried out, last Sunday and Thursday, against Syrian targets, especially U.S. and British support.
Meanwhile, Israeli media sources reported that Tel Aviv and Ankara are about to sign an agreement for financial compensation for the victims of the Israeli attack on MV Marara.
Furthermore, senior Israeli Foreign Ministry officials held a meeting, Monday, in an attempt to determine the amount of the proposed financial compensation.
The Israeli paper further reported that the meeting was described as positive, and that both parties managed to reach a draft agreement, but added that “there are other related issues that need to be addressed before the final deal is sealed.”
An Israeli official said that Israel estimates the compensation amount to reach five or six million USD, and in return, Turkey vows to void all lawsuits filed against Israeli military officials, and soldiers, involved in the attack and the death of the nine Turkish solidarity activists.
In addition, Turkey reportedly promised to approve an amendment that allows the Turkish government to prevent Turkish citizens from suing Israel or its soldiers in the future.
7 may 2013
Turkey, Israel hold drills near Syrian border
Turkish tanks participate in a military exercise
Turkey and Israel have launched separate military maneuvers near Syria, which has been battling foreign-sponsored terrorism for more than two years.
The 10-day Yildirim-2013 Mobilization Exercises began on Monday in the southern province of Adana near the Syrian border and would wrap up on May 15, according to a statement issued by the Turkish General Staff.
The Turkish military says the drills aim to test its preparedness for battle and coordination with government ministries at a time of mobilization and war.
Meanwhile, Israeli troops participated in military exercises in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, near the border with Syria, on Monday.
A former director of Israel’s security service says the regime has to make full preparations for a possible war anytime. Israel has also deployed two Iron Dome missiles near the Lebanese border.
The Syria crisis began in March 2011, and many people, including large numbers of soldiers and security personnel, have been killed in the violence.
The Syrian government says that the chaos is being orchestrated from outside the country, and there are reports that a very large number of the militants are foreign nationals.
In an interview recently broadcast on Turkish television, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that if the militants take power in Syria, they could destabilize the entire Middle East region for decades.
“If the unrest in Syria leads to the partitioning of the country, or if the terrorist forces take control… the situation will inevitably spill over into neighboring countries and create a domino effect throughout the Middle East and beyond,” he added.
Turkey and Israel have launched separate military maneuvers near Syria, which has been battling foreign-sponsored terrorism for more than two years.
The 10-day Yildirim-2013 Mobilization Exercises began on Monday in the southern province of Adana near the Syrian border and would wrap up on May 15, according to a statement issued by the Turkish General Staff.
The Turkish military says the drills aim to test its preparedness for battle and coordination with government ministries at a time of mobilization and war.
Meanwhile, Israeli troops participated in military exercises in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, near the border with Syria, on Monday.
A former director of Israel’s security service says the regime has to make full preparations for a possible war anytime. Israel has also deployed two Iron Dome missiles near the Lebanese border.
The Syria crisis began in March 2011, and many people, including large numbers of soldiers and security personnel, have been killed in the violence.
The Syrian government says that the chaos is being orchestrated from outside the country, and there are reports that a very large number of the militants are foreign nationals.
In an interview recently broadcast on Turkish television, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that if the militants take power in Syria, they could destabilize the entire Middle East region for decades.
“If the unrest in Syria leads to the partitioning of the country, or if the terrorist forces take control… the situation will inevitably spill over into neighboring countries and create a domino effect throughout the Middle East and beyond,” he added.
2 may 2013
Turkish Delegation to Visit Israel for Compensation Talks
The highest level Turkish delegation to visit Israel since the Mavi Marmara incident three years ago is expected in Jerusalem next week to continue discussions about Israeli compensation to the families of the nine Turks killed on the ship as it tried to break Israel's blockade of Gaza.
According to Turkish media reports, the delegation will be headed by Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirliog ˘lu, a former Turkish ambassador to Israel. He is expected to meet with Israel's National Security Council head Yaakov Amidror and Joseph Ciechanover.
Amidror and Ciechanover went to Turkey last week to begin talks on the compensation payments. The two delegations agreed to a mechanism by which compensation would be calculated, though an actual sum was not yet discussed.
Compensation payment to the Turks is one of Ankara's conditions for normalizing ties with Israel, following Israel's Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's apology to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in late March for "any mistakes that might have led to the loss of life or injury."
One Israeli official, when asked about the upcoming round of talks in Israel, said that Netanyahu's decision to issue the apology was "not easy" and "complex," but was done "in an effort to try and reestablish relations with Turkey. Ultimately, it is our hope that the Turks will reciprocate in kind.
According to Turkish media reports, the delegation will be headed by Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirliog ˘lu, a former Turkish ambassador to Israel. He is expected to meet with Israel's National Security Council head Yaakov Amidror and Joseph Ciechanover.
Amidror and Ciechanover went to Turkey last week to begin talks on the compensation payments. The two delegations agreed to a mechanism by which compensation would be calculated, though an actual sum was not yet discussed.
Compensation payment to the Turks is one of Ankara's conditions for normalizing ties with Israel, following Israel's Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's apology to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in late March for "any mistakes that might have led to the loss of life or injury."
One Israeli official, when asked about the upcoming round of talks in Israel, said that Netanyahu's decision to issue the apology was "not easy" and "complex," but was done "in an effort to try and reestablish relations with Turkey. Ultimately, it is our hope that the Turks will reciprocate in kind.
