Erdogan Assures to Haniya Continued Support for Gaza, Turkey Considers Escorting Future Ships

Erdogan affirms continued support for Gaza in telephone contact with Haniya

[ 02/06/2010 - 08:31 AM ]

GAZA, (PIC)--

Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayeb Erdogan, has affirmed his country's continued support for the Palestinian people and government in Gaza Strip "regardless of the price".

The statement came in a telephone contact made by Palestinian premier Ismail Haniya with his Turkish counterpart on Tuesday evening during which he conveyed condolences on behalf of the Palestinian people and government for the victims of the Israeli brutal terrorist attack on the Freedom Flotilla convoy heading to Gaza.

Haniya expressed appreciation for Erdogan's speech especially when he mentioned his commitment for supporting the Palestine cause and his call for an immediate end to the Israeli siege on Gaza.

The Palestinian premier said that ending the siege should be a natural result in response to the Zionist criminal behavior.

On his part, Erdogan expressed full solidarity with Gaza, pointing out that more than 33 countries were taking part in the Flotilla which meant that Israel was not facing Turkey alone but the entire world.

The Turkish premier stressed, "We will continue to support you even if we remained alone".

Haniya had reached a number of Arab leaders over the telephone on Tuesday during which he briefed them on the Israeli violent takeover of the Flotilla that resulted in many deaths and injuries.

He affirmed that firm positions should be taken against the Israeli occupation government at international platforms.

He appreciated the participation of Kuwaiti solidarity activists in the Flotilla during a telephone contact with the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed.

Haniya also phoned Arab Knesset member Hanin Al-Zo'ubi, who also participated in the Flotilla, and inquired about the health of Sheikh Raed Salah, the leader of the Islamic movement in 1948 occupied land, in a similar phone conversation with his deputy Sheikh Kamal Al-Khatib.

Turkey considers navy escort for future Gaza aid ships

Published today (updated) 02/06/2010 11:41 Bethlehem - Ma'an -

Turkey may escort future aid ships to Gaza, according to news reports.

IBN, the US network CNN's affiliate in India, reported Tuesday that Turkey was considering accompanying future aid ships to Gaza.

The threat, which was not attributed to any specific Turkish official, came a day after Israeli commandos killed 19 peace activists and injured scores others aboard a ship carrying international aid to the Gaza Strip.

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