BICOM

Chief adviser to Turkish Prime Minister, Ibrahim Kalin, told Haaretz newspaper yesterday that Turkey intends to normalise relations with Israel. “From the return of the ambassador, the renewal of joint military maneuvers, military and civilian cooperation, ministerial visits, and to all other areas, relations will return to how they were before the flotilla incident,” Kalin said.

Kalin told Haaretz that the recent statement by Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe Ya’alon – that Turkey only wants an Israeli apology and has no intention of normalising relations – was inaccurate. In light of Ya’alon’s comments, Kalin said he was asked by Erdogan to reiterate Turkey’s good intentions. He also told Haaretz that the reconciliation agreement worked on by Israel and Turkey in the past included the word “apology” as well as compensation to the families of the victims of the Mavi Marmara raid, and, according to Kalin, this agreement was approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but rejected by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

In addition, Kalin said that an apology from Israel must be a part of a future agreement. “Friends apologise for mistakes. We are sorry about what happened, we didn’t intend to sever relations with Israel, which were excellent, and Turkey sought to advance the peace process between Israel and Syria,” Kalin added. Another Turkish source also told Haaretz that Ankara wants to restore relations with Jerusalem and said that mending the diplomatic ties is a crucial interest for both parties, particularly in light of the instability in the Middle East.

The UN Palmer committee, that was set up to investigate the flotilla incident last May, earlier this month was held back from releasing its report until 27 July in order to allow Israel and Turkey time to continue diplomatic talks. The report is widely believed to uphold the legality of Israel’s maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip, but criticises the IDF for excessive force.

No Israeli officials have commented or responded to the Haaretz report.