President Gul
Photo: AP
WASHINGTON – Turkey is seeking an Israeli apology and compensation over the deadly flotilla raid in May that left nine people dead, Turkish President Abdullah Gul told the UN General Assembly Thursday.
Turkey is expecting an official apology and compensation for the families of the dead and wounded, he said. The report accused Israeli soldiers of executing Turkish activists on board the Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara.
The attack on the international aid flotilla led to terrible loss of human life and violation of international law, he said, adding that Turkey attributes great importance to the conclusions of a damning report by the UN Human Rights Council.
Turning his attention to the peace process, Gul said that resolving the Middle East conflict is the key to global peace, adding that Turkey had always supported peace effort and welcomes direct Israeli-Palestinian talks.
He added that it would be very difficult to secure peace without resolving what he characterized as the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
While not mentioning Israel explicitly, Gul called for clearing the Middle East of nuclear weapons in the coming year. Addressing international efforts to curb Iran's nuclear program, he said that such attempts would not be successful as long as "certain states in sensitive regions" hold nukes.
Three days ago, Turkey's president called off a meeting with Israeli counterpart Shimon Peres, after the latter refused to offer an apology over the flotilla raid.
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