SHAHAN KANDAHARIAN: TURKEY BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP SEA

PanARMENIAN.Net
12.01.2009 17:32 GMT+04:00

Lebanon is concerned over the escalating conflict in Gaza. The panic
spread among the population when northern Israel was bombarded from
Lebanon’s territory, said a member of Hay Dat office in Beirut.

"After a response fire, Hezbollah denied its participation in
hostilities strongly condemned by the Lebanese army and Defense
Ministry," Shahan Kandaharian told PanARMENIAN.Net.

Touching on Turkey’s position, he said that Arab states appreciated
official Ankara’s stand. "Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan labeled
resumption of hostilities as crime against humanity. It was harsh
message to Tel Aviv from a non-Arab country. Nevertheless, I think this
statement was meant to calm down the Turkish public which protested
Israel’s actions in Gaza," he said.

"Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said resumption of hostilities
is disrespect for Ankara, which undertook mediation between Syria
and Israel. Turkey is between two fires. On the one hand it should
please its strategic partner, Israel. On the other hand, it should
smooth internal tensions," Mr. Kandaharian said.

On December 27, 2008, Israel launched a military campaign codenamed
Operation Cast Lead, targeting the members and infrastructure of
Hamas. As of 12 January 2009, 13 Israelis and 898 Palestinians are
estimated to have perished in the conflict. All but three of the
Israeli casualties have been soldiers, while 333 of the Gaza casualties
have been women and children. 257 children in Gaza have been killed,
making up a third of Palestinian casualties.