Erdogan attacks Israel in Cairo, offers himself as leader of Arab world
The Turkish prime minister describes Gaza blockade as a “crime”, says a Palestinian state is “not an option but a necessity”. In reference to Syria, he says, “The legitimate demands of the people cannot be repressed with force and in blood,” reminding his audience that Turks and Arabs are brothers.
Cairo (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdogan began a tour of Arab nations yesterday. In Cairo, where he arrived with a huge entourage of 280 business people, ministers and advisers, the Turkish leader signed trade agreements with Egypt, declared his full support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and renewed his attacks against Israel.
Erdogan made two public appearances yesterday. One before the foreign ministers of the Arab League and the other at a short press conference. At both, Israel starred as the greatest opponent of peace in the region. Erdogan mentioned the nine Turkish civilians killed aboard the Mavi Marmara during last year's flotilla to Gaza, and the five Egyptians killed during a terror attack near Eilat last month.
“The barrier to peace in the region is the mentality of the Israeli government,” Erdogan noted.
Urging Arab states to raise the Palestinian flag, he described the Gaza blockade as a “crime”, and the establishment of a Palestinian state "not an option but a necessity”.
In an interview with the paper el-Shourouk, he said that Israeli leaders have failed to read the situation and lost supporters, even in the United States. When former US Defence Secretary Gates, a former CIA director, says that Netanyahu is a danger to Israel, pushing the country towards international isolation, that can be taken as a major sign. Many kept silence. Turkey chose to act, he said.
In a reference to Syria, the Turkish leader appealed for freedom and democracy. “The legitimate demands of the people cannot be repressed with force and in blood,” he said. “Freedom and democracy and human rights must be a united slogan for the future of our people.” What is more, “Turks and the Arabs are linked by brotherhood for hundreds of years. We share the same culture and the same faith”.
Such words echoed those of US President Barack Obama, who in his meeting with Erdogan stressed Turkey’s leadership role in the Arab world.
Some years ago, top officials in the Italian Bishops’ Conference and Vatican diplomacy expressed the same ideas.
Erdogan made two public appearances yesterday. One before the foreign ministers of the Arab League and the other at a short press conference. At both, Israel starred as the greatest opponent of peace in the region. Erdogan mentioned the nine Turkish civilians killed aboard the Mavi Marmara during last year's flotilla to Gaza, and the five Egyptians killed during a terror attack near Eilat last month.
“The barrier to peace in the region is the mentality of the Israeli government,” Erdogan noted.
Urging Arab states to raise the Palestinian flag, he described the Gaza blockade as a “crime”, and the establishment of a Palestinian state "not an option but a necessity”.
In an interview with the paper el-Shourouk, he said that Israeli leaders have failed to read the situation and lost supporters, even in the United States. When former US Defence Secretary Gates, a former CIA director, says that Netanyahu is a danger to Israel, pushing the country towards international isolation, that can be taken as a major sign. Many kept silence. Turkey chose to act, he said.
In a reference to Syria, the Turkish leader appealed for freedom and democracy. “The legitimate demands of the people cannot be repressed with force and in blood,” he said. “Freedom and democracy and human rights must be a united slogan for the future of our people.” What is more, “Turks and the Arabs are linked by brotherhood for hundreds of years. We share the same culture and the same faith”.
Such words echoed those of US President Barack Obama, who in his meeting with Erdogan stressed Turkey’s leadership role in the Arab world.
Some years ago, top officials in the Italian Bishops’ Conference and Vatican diplomacy expressed the same ideas.
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See also
Erdogan’s ways and contradictions
07/07/2010
07/07/2010
