Meridor. Staying in Israel
Photo: AFP
Peres. Rejected by Asian nations
Photo: Hagai Aharon
Meridor cancels Turkey visit
Deputy prime minister takes up Shin Bet's advice, decides to cancel participation in leaders' conference in Ankara while South Korea downgrades President Peres' scheduled trip to working meetings visit instead of official state visit
Deputy Prime Minister Dan Meridor has canceled his trip to Turkey at the Shin Bet's recommendation, Ynet learned Sunday. It was also revealed that the Justice Ministry is preparing for a wave of international lawsuits and that any public figure's request to travel overseas will be carefully considered.
Meridor, who was scheduled to board a flight to Turkey on Monday and attend an Asian multilateral relations conference, will remain in Israel due to increasing tensions between Jerusalem and Ankara. He was initially scheduled to spend two days in the Turkish capital.
Meanwhile, the Justice Ministry is preparing for a wave of international lawsuits against IDF soldiers and senior officers, as well as state officials. Any public figure's request to travel abroad will be examined according to the destination country's laws.
Furthermore, President Shimon Peres, who was forced to postpone his Vietnam visit following the flotilla debacle, has now been informed by South Korea that his scheduled visit there will be downgraded to working meetings instead of a formal state visit. The president's office is considering cancelling the Asian tour altogether.
Following the Gaza sail raid, the Counter Terrorism Bureau issued a serious travel advisory warning citizens against traveling to Turkey. Israelis who are currently in Turkey were instructed to remain in their lodgings and avoid crowded areas.
Roni Sofer, Attila Somfalvi and Aviad Glickman contributed to this report
