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Ankara's Clear Signals

(Jerusalem Post) Editorial - Ankara will accept nothing short of a public apology and full financial compensation for the Mavi Marmara raid as a condition for improving diplomatic relations with Jerusalem, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said over the weekend. If Turkey truly wished to resolve the ongoing tension between the two countries, it could do so in an atmosphere of mutual respect, sensitivity and trust. Instead, Ankara has insisted that Israel issue a humiliating apology and provide compensation in a way that might expose IDF soldiers to international legal action. Tellingly, there has been no Turkish recognition of the brutal violence perpetrated by so-called "peace activists" on board the Gaza-bound ship. The resolution demanded by Turkey does not conform to the kind of terms demanded by friendly nations. And for all of Israel's genuine desire to heal relations with what was hitherto a vital regional ally, meeting those terms would be self-defeating. The Turkish government's quasi-sponsorship of the Gaza flotilla merely marks an unfortunate confirmation of Ankara's policy of distancing from Israel while fostering closer ties with Iran and Syria. Sadly, Turkey's entire approach to the affair bespeaks anything but goodwill. The failure to resolve diplomatic tensions has everything to do with the clear and grim signals emanating from Ankara.
2010-12-27 07:56:39
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