ISRAEL’S PERES MEETS WITH PRESIDENT GUL
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Dunya online, Turkey
Nov 13 2007
Israeli President Shimon Peres arrived on Sunday in Ankara amid
tight security for a three-day visit, at the invitation of President
Abdullah Gul.
At a joint press conference at the Presidential Palace, Peres urged
Turkey to mediate for the return of two Israeli soldiers abducted
last year by Hezbollah.
"We will do whatever we can," said Gul.
"But if you urge Turkey to be a mediator, other countries shouldn’t
interfere in the process."
Peres offered Turkey cooperation in the fight against terrorism, adding
that terrorists hiding in mountainous areas cannot be defeated by F-16
fighter jets. Peres also stressed the need for using new technology
to fight terrorism, particularly nanotechnology.
Saying that Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak is scheduled to visit
Ankara in January, Peres expressed his wish to strengthen strategic
relations between Turkey and Israel in combating terrorism.
The Jerusalem Post reported that Israel is hoping to sell the Arrow
ballistic missile defense system and an Ofek spy satellite to Turkey.
The two leaders also discussed a US House committee’s passage last
month of a resolution on the Armenian allegations.
Gul asked Israel to press the US Jewish lobby to oppose such moves
and thanked Peres for Israel’s previous help regarding the matter.
"For the first time in history, a majority-Muslim country has emerged
as a mediator accepted by all parties," said Peres. "Turkey can create
a positive atmosphere ahead of the Mideast peace summit to be held
(later this month) in Annapolis (the US).
Such a contribution is very important for us, due to the respect
Arabs and Muslims have for Turkey."
The two leaders also highlighted the importance of developing ties
in the areas of education and culture.
Gul urged Peres to open a cultural or economic center and a
representative office in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
and start ferry service between the TRNC and the port city of Haifa.
Peres also met with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
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