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In the Wake of Israel's Apology to Turkey

(Jerusalem Post) Herb Keinon - As Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan claims that Israel's apology in the Marmara incident now makes Turkey a major player in the diplomatic process with the Palestinians, Amos Gilad, head of the Israel Defense Ministry's diplomatic security bureau, told Israel Radio that it was important to distinguish between the "foam and the wave." He said that there had been a clear agreement between Israel and Turkey, and that the focus should be on the agreement, not on Turkish comments about it. Ankara's acquiescence to stop legal proceedings against IDF soldiers was at the "heart" of the agreement, he said. In addition, the U.S. was very keen that its allies in the region cooperate to help Washington cope with the changing landscape, from Tehran to Damascus, Gilad said. One senior diplomatic official said that finding a way to put the incident behind Israel and Turkey was an important demonstration to the U.S. that Jerusalem could act as a "team player."
2013-03-28 00:00:00
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