(Ynet News) Itamar Eichner - Turkey is working to prevent Lebanese ships from attempting to sail to Gaza in violation of an Israeli blockade, Yediot Ahronot reported Tuesday. Israeli officials estimate that Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who visited Damascus and Beirut last week, asked the Lebanese government to prevent the flotilla's departure as part of Ankara's efforts to ease tensions with Israel. According to the officials, the change in Turkey's policy stems from its understanding that the crisis with Israel has damaged its image, as well as its ties with Washington and Europe. In closed meetings, officials in Ankara have said that since the Turkish flotilla led to the partial lifting of Israel's blockade on Gaza, there is no point in sending more vessels to Gaza.
2010-07-27 10:28:21Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive