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    Turkey says flotilla raid was 'cause for war'

    ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey's prime minister said Monday that Israel's raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla last year was "cause for war" but added that his country showed "patience" and refrained from taking any action.

    Erdogan made the comments before departing for a visit to Egypt later on Monday, where he will seek to boost his government's already high standing in the Arab world — a position he has achieved in part by challenging Israel on the world stage.

    Erdogan, intent on broadening Turkey's influence in the Middle East and the Arab world, will also visit Tunisia and Libya, two other countries where popular uprisings have ousted autocratic leaders.

    Erdogan told Al-Jazeera television in a recent interview that the Israeli raid, which killed eight Turks and a Turkish American on board a Turkish ship trying to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza, occurred in international waters and was "unlawful." His comments were carried by Turkey's state-run Anatolia news agency late Sunday.

    "It is a cause for war, but we decided to act in line with Turkey's grandeur and showed patience," Erdogan said.

    An Israeli government spokesman was not immediately available for comment, but Israel insists its naval commandos acted in self-defense after being attacked by some of the activists.

    Israel has expressed regret for the loss of lives aboard the flotilla and said Tuesday it was time for the two countries to restore their former close ties.

    An Israeli Cabinet minister, Gilad Erdan, insisted that the deterioration of relations with Turkey was not Israel's fault.

    "With Turkey, we had a very close relationship in the past, and we still hope that we can improve the relationship with Turkey, but it wasn't our decision to deteriorate the relationship," Erdan said in Jerusalem, adding that Israel was prepared to "pay money to the families" of the victims.

    A U.N. report into the raid, released earlier this month, said Israel's naval blockade was legitimate but accused Israel of using "excessive and unreasonable" force in the raid.

    Turkey has been angered over Israel's refusal to apologize for the raid.

    In response, Turkey this month suspended its military ties with Israel, expelled top Israeli diplomats, pledged to campaign in support of the Palestinians' statehood bid and vowed to send the Turkish navy to escort Gaza-bound aid ships in the future.

    Israel insists there is no need for aid to Gaza since it eased restrictions on imports through land crossings, labeling the flotillas political provocations.

    Erdogan's visit to Egypt coincides with increasingly troubled ties between Cairo and Israel following an attack on the Israeli embassy there. Israel fears that it is being left increasingly isolated by the Arab Spring, which is changing the power dynamics in the region, alongside tense relations former ally Turkey.

    Erdogan "will try to impress (the Arab) public opinion by giving messages clearly emphasizing Turkey's rift with Israel," said Mustafa Turkes of the Middle East Technical University's International Relations Department.

    Kamer Kasim of the Ankara-based International Strategic Research Organization said: "The Israeli-Egyptian relations are undergoing change. Israel cannot afford tensions with both Turkey and Egypt. It will have to review its security policies in the Middle East."

    Erdan said "it is very, very important" for Israel and for the Egyptians to preserve their peace treaty.

    "We hope those radical movements that controlled the protests that we saw last weekend do not represent the 85 million Egyptians in Egypt," Erdan said.

    A statement from Erdogan's office said Turkey would emphasize its support to Egypt, Tunisia and Libya in their transition to democracy.

    In Egypt, Erdogan will oversee the signing of an agreement to establish a joint council to lead efforts toward a closer "strategic partnership," as well as deals to encourage cooperation, investments and trade, a statement from the Turkish prime minister's office said.

    "Our hope now is that the Arab Spring does not turn into a harsh winter," Erdogan told Al-Jazeera, according to Anatolia. "These countries are trying to transform into democratic system from autocratic systems. We have to lend them a helping hand in their efforts."

    Erdogan had hoped to be able to cross into Gaza from Egypt, but government officials said Sunday his scheduled would be limited to the three countries.

    "Right now, there is no question of my visiting Gaza," Erdogan told a news conference before flying to Cairo on Monday night. "But I would like to clearly say that I am longing to visit Gaza. I am longing to visit to Gaza as soon as possible." He did not elaborate.

    "I know that my brothers in Gaza are waiting for me. I too long for Gaza," Erdogan told Al-Jazeera. "Sooner or later, if God allows it, I will go to Gaza.

    Erdogan travels to Tunisia on Wednesday and to Libya on Thursday.

    Turkey is also eager to resume investments in Libya, where Turkish contractors were involved in 214 building projects worth more than $15 billion before the rebellion that ousted strongman Moammar Gadhafi. Bilateral trade with Libya was $2.4 billion in Turkey's favor before the uprising.

    __

    Associated Press writers Selcan Hacaoglu and Ozgur Akman in Ankara and Daniella Cheslow in Jerusalem contributed to this report.

     

    1,680 comments

    • david  •  8 mths ago
      i swear the US better not try to get involved with this #$%$ let them fight
    • Fatima Az-Zahra Zulfiqar  •  8 mths ago
      Israel and America have a symbiotic relationship due to the fact that the nation of Israel has the old Kingdom of Judah and the nation of America in it's "50 united states" represents the new Kingdom of Israel as a lost "Ephraim" now found and thus restored; thus in truth there is only "One Israel" of these two kingdoms; ourselves and the tiny nation across the sea. We are tied to each other in every way; as "Camp David" itself proves...here as in the ancient days our president is also the head of army; from Israel's tradition itself from antiquity.

      The problem with the current state of the world's denial that we have reached the written record of what is called "the Great Tribulation of the Nations" has to do with the coming "End" foreordained as seen in II Thessalonians 2:2-4 by Paul; with the death of Osama bin Laden as the figure known as the "Antichrist" in that "earthquake" at the West seen at 9/11: and the Masih ad-Dajjal in the earthquake in the East as the "false Mahdi" of the "Judas" Osama bin Laden of Islam; which means the Last Day for Islam and Christianity; and Judea for the Jews: has arrived.
      Islam may hide; christianity may bluster; and the Jews in Palestine may oppress their former tormentors: all is in quite in vain; the Judgment Day of December 25th 2012 does not care who tries to "ignore" it's coming..as the Dabbat al-ard of Sura 27:82 I can only say this to all: WATCH. Salvation Rose
      • AlexanderO 8 mths ago
        Hm. Dec. 25th 2012? So, we have more than a year, eh? Lets all have some fun.
      • Native 8 mths ago
        Most all the states have native names. Your ogaaah boohahhahahah from the middle east does not worry those who are not bound by the lies of abraham.
      • M 8 mths ago
        It is funny, for people to recite the bible, while forgetting it was written when the world was no bigger then the middle east to the sand lickers.

        Don't you see Fatima, religion is the cause of all these issues?
    • Gypsyrover  •  8 mths ago
      the turks must be smoking everything including their shoes. What are they trying to prove or is it the injured Turksih pride at work cause they screwed up that flotilla? Israel's blockade was legal, according to the UN- if the turks are stupid enough to try running that blockade agian, they best look over their shoulder to find the US & Israeli Navies watching. Wonder when the Tuirkish military will grow some balls and take the govt back??
      • vere 8 mths ago
        US navy? with our tax dollars protecting someone else other then americans. I am tired of it.
    • true justice  •  8 mths ago
      if israel will appologize ( no reason) arduan will find other reason for conflict.
      and there is now other reason - the gaz and oil fields israel is developing now.near cyprus.
      • skunky62 8 mths ago
        So true. He'll say the apology wasn't long enough and it had no tears. Also, the Israelis would have to bow toward Mecca a thousand times and say "Turkey Good, Israel Bad."
    • true justice  •  8 mths ago
      arduan is a fanatic muslim - his country is in terrible economic situation - his country rejected from the EU - simple conclusion - lets join the arab world - so easy - just opose your friend israel - any reason is good - flotila or any other childish reason.
      anyhow - turkey will be defeted.
      • Levent 8 mths ago
        hey True Justice you ar bullshiting,Turkey isnt in bad Economic situation,Excially USA is in in big Economic situation we see everyday how Wall street- Nasdaq and other US stock markets fuckng down down down and All rich US people taking Their money to other countries cos they dont trust US anymore,AND SOON CHİNA WİLL BUY USA ,,,,,and WHO GİVES #$%$ TO EU YU TALK,NG ABOUT EU BLAA BLAA BLAAA,and also before yu comment about TURKEY yu better learn more knowladge and informations about Turkey,Turkey Econmy one of fastest and powerfull gronw country,TURKİSH ARMY 5TH POWERFULL ARMY ON WORLD,I SEE YOUR FACE WHEN CHİNA BUYS YOU GUYS
      • true justice 8 mths ago
        Levent - i'm not bullshiting - turkey economy is in deep problems - they just try to hide the facts.
      • skunky62 8 mths ago
        Levent Braggadocio, that's your name, isn't it? It's the EU who kept the Turkish Generals at bay so your Dear Erdogan could ruin your country. Like I stated before, Turkey can't defeat the PKK so what makes you think you're that powerful? Are you learning how to brag from Iran?
    • Randall  •  8 mths ago
      Yeah, if someone spills a cup of coffee on the Koran its grounds for war!
    • barry w  •  8 mths ago
      a cause for war? lets see u take a ship across a military line and you can't figure out what was gonna happen, BEFOR ya left? its a no brainer people. the flotilla could been sunk and then what? i'd still be sittin here goin what dumbarses they are. oh well if a few idiots is enough to start a war, guess we better get locked and loaded now. GOD BLESS AMERICA
      • D3 8 mths ago
        if I remember right the ship was still 75 miles in open waters, no where near a military line jackass
      • Joex 8 mths ago
        Brothers I like to share with you some of my research and discovers over NWO.That shaking information woke me up to the truths and reality. On my discovery #1 illuminate 170 year old secret societies, Bilderberg, Bohemian grove, Globalist, Skull & Bones. I have names there honorable members: Rothschild, Rockefeller, Carnegie, Bush, Koch Brothers, Murdoch and mach moor over the word, t is wide conspiracy almost all word politician, religious leaders, financial institutions, international corporations. They are all supporters of NOW union and today it is no more secret they only don’t talk openly over their final plan. Do you know many politicians after they elected became milliners in no time? They are influenced and corrupted by string pullers from NOW. Yes they be bribed with politically power, fineness's and if they don’t do good job for NOW they out or assassinated. They are enabler’s string pullers using them to implement NWO plans. Step #1creation EU (European Union) it already exist, next step going to be #2 NAU (North America Union it is one government new constitution and currency), next step#3 AU (Asian Union, and final step #4 Unite all unions in one and create OWO (One Word Order it is one world government and total control over all people) Remember that was ideologies and plans of German Karl Mar’s, Russian Linen and Stalin, German A. Hitler, Italian B. Mussolini, Spain F. Franco, Chinese Mao Zedong) in past they all was involved in a global plans to create Communism, Fascism and all Revolutions in the word like French, Russia ,China and World War I, World War II. During this evil time many hundreds of millions people word wide was illuminated. NOW kills humans in a past preset and will do much more in future all over the word. Today NOW kills humans with same tactics like in the past wars, viruses, manipulating markets with economic crisis and many other ways most of us don’t now or understand. NOW in control of word media and in our present time “Bilderberg” make decision who going to be elected and where. This is a there secret conspires to take over and control hole word. Do you have in your City or Country independent media? I don't have any because today NWO in control almost of hole world media and they spreading there lays and heeding evil agendas to the people in the hole world. We only can see, read and understand truth between lines of their propaganda mashie. NWO has a plan to kill 90% world population (Yes it is new worldwide Holocaust) and slave the rest of people. NOW leaders not fully human many of them trained in Satanic Babylonians Pagans cults and rituals like Skull & Bones whose satanic themes and rituals have been filmed and exposed to the people on youtube. Time countdown continues we all must investigate, research and expos all facts of NOW evil plans. Brothers stay strong and defend are freedom we must be active in every way and all the time don’t let NOW take our lives and freedom. There is nothing to fear be strong and expose their agenda and evil plans but if you want to be a market as a slave, go ahead cause in totalitarian OWO satanic regime will be only two classes of people masters super rich elite and there slaves. Can you guess which one you and the majority of remain humanity will belong or it is too difficult for you? Today NOW leadership and there enablers in US call them self patriots (in realities they patriots of NOW only) constitution defenders (they are have twisted secret plans to change our convenience) job creators (yes overseas that is a reality they creating economic crisis in US). NOW using same tactics again and again and again they are masters of lies misleading and negligence in scare tactic in to not existing traits. Billionaires Koch Brothers tools for NOW they are financiers of Tea Party movement. Tea Party good American people don't understand they been manipulated by NOW.
        Wake up Brothers we are a people!
      • barry w 8 mths ago
        well d3, if jackass is all ya got, then ima leave it along hahaha. open waters or not, ya push, people push back!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA
    • Ezrach Jacobi  •  8 mths ago
      The only thing that bothers me is the fact so many Muslims write comments on this pages and none is using a genuine identity are you ashamed to post as Muslims???!
    • Ezrach Jacobi  •  8 mths ago
      Let's drop the militant talk ,mussels can't stay long without provision if Turkey gets crazy and worries the west (economical provider) where will the 70 million population turn to?.. Iran?! Are the Iranians going to keep their commerce going?!Erdugan is defiantly a fundamental #$%$ but he's not that stupid instead of reviving the Ottoman Empire they might face a cold winter that will start exactly as the Arabian spring revolutions .
    • greg  •  8 mths ago
      The very mention of Turkey killing so many Armanions in WWI should be a stimulus to find a reason to keep peace in the area and not justify the embarrassment the long gone Ottoman empires actions 100 years ago. Millions died in WWI and many more millions died in WWII. Why do you folks keep promoting anger on something that no one alive today can account for. Please advise.
    • Kenneth L  •  8 mths ago
      Turkey and Greece: The Cyprus dispute is the result of the ongoing conflict between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey, over the Turkish occupied northern part of Cyprus. Initially, with the annexation of the island by the British Empire, the "Cyprus dispute" was identified as the conflict between the people of Cyprus and the British Crown regarding the Cypriots' demand for self determination. The dispute however was finally shifted from a colonial dispute to an ethnic dispute between the Turkish and the Greek islanders.[1] The international complications of the dispute stretch far beyond the boundaries of the island of Cyprus itself and involve the guarantor powers (Turkey, Greece, and the United Kingdom alike), along with the United States, the United Nations and the European Union.

      With the invasion of 1974 (condemned by UN Security Council Resolutions as legally invalid), Turkey occupied the northern part of the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus, and later upon those territories the Turkish Cypriot community unilaterally declared independence forming the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), a sovereign entity that lacks international recognition-with the exception of Turkey with which TRNC enjoys full diplomatic relations. After the two communities and the guarantor countries have committed themselves in finding a peaceful solution over the dispute, the United Nations have since created and maintained a buffer zone (the "Green Line") to avoid any further intercommunal tensions and hostilities. This zone separates the government-controlled south from the Turkish-occupied north.
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    • Kenneth L  •  8 mths ago
      Turkey silence on the slaughter of Syrian citizens speaks volumes. They know best about slaughtering their Armenian countrymen, women and children in the early 20th Century.
    • greg  •  8 mths ago
      The Israelis must bear the embarrassment of murder on the High Seas since their commandos violated protocal for boarding ships at sea. Just for someone swears at you and reminding you that you are acting out of line is no reason to murder someone. Israel by refusing to apologize is giving Arab Nations good reason to revive the Ottoman Empire. Israel has very smart people and they should advise their out of control government that Israeli' Citizens are being put at risk of war by Mr. Netinyahoo's extreme right backers. It's easy to go to war--it is tough to stay at peace. I cannot believe that so many on this site are encouraging possible nuclear war or use of WMD's to cover the weak excuse that Israel should apologize. Madness--it has to be madness.
    • greg  •  8 mths ago
      Israel's Killing of the Turks certainly was unreasonable. As to the blockade in international waters lies in the gray area if being right or wrong. I think all could say Israel was concerned about weapons coming in--but the ship they boarded did not have any weapons. The Turks became upset by the Nazi Like actions of the "Commandos" and became upset and vile words were used and the commandos opened fire because the Turks became angry. To me that is not a viable reason to murder someone. Israel is always asking other countries to apologize for the slightest thing and continue to demand apology's from Germany despite Germany's best efforts and compliance. For Israel not to apologize is unbelievable considering that Turkey was on a medical relief mission. Why not apologize and let the world live in a peace. There is so much at stake.
    • stephen  •  8 mths ago
      give back the arabs their land
    • Ezrach Jacobi  •  8 mths ago
      I suggest all the enthusiastic about a war with turkey to chill down no one of the sides is going to open a war but truth must be reviled Erdugan was elected in 2002 as the representative of the fundamental Islamic party he's wearing a suite but his wife wears a burke when he started to visit countries as costumed to presidents some of the Turkish diplomats surrounding him resigned in protest because they where costumed with the secular turkey and this guy is pushing them towards Iran less then half a year ago his army chef of staff resigned as well knowing the aspiration his reelected president has ..Erdugan signed alliance with Iran while sane countries cut ties with the insane religious regime of Teheran…in 2010 Erdugan deliberately involved in a provocation flotilla headed the coasts of Israel in order to break the sedge on Gaza knowing Israel will stop the flotilla with all means supporting Hamas is exactly as supporting the Kurdish resistance if Israel would support Turkeys enemies that would be a direct provocation same as he did to Israel.
    • Boni  •  8 mths ago
      How come an act of piracy and murder in international water can be call legitimal by the UN? This said alot about UN justice and hypocrecy.
    • Yahoo User  •  8 mths ago
      This Fascist Erdogan is committing genocide on Kurds as of today , but he is giving humanitarian lesson to world? He is just trying to get attention off Turkey’s genocide against Kurds.
      So far he is very successful about fooling the western media, everyday there is a news about him,. None of the news talking about his genocides against Kurds, or him stealing all the country wealth.
      Kurds in Turkey have more isolated than Palestinian in Israel.
      The only way to stop this Turkey and Erdogan is to send an humanitarian aid to Kurdistan and to support a Free Kurdistan .
      That is the only language Turkey understand
    • Frankie  •  8 mths ago
      This hatred must die.
    • JSG  •  8 mths ago
      To "Israel" and "Levy808" please leave the posts for those who actually have something worth a #$%$ to say. I'm sure there are plenty of neo-Nazi and anti-Semetic web sites that you can go post your hatred and lies. In fact you should take half the A-Holes from these message boards with you and start your own web site. It is truly sickening how much hatred is out there especially when people forget history and view it with blinders on. Let's not forget the Turks treatment of the Kurds in Iraq or that the flotilla was warned repeatedly not to travel into in Gaza. It was pure provocation on the part of the flotilla. Israel may have over-reacted on some accounts but when your life is on the line, you don't shoot to wound, you shoot to kill.
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