Turkey Welcomes Steps Taken By Sides In Israeli - Palestinian Peace Process

ANKARA - Turkey said on Wednesday that it welcomed the steps taken by the sides recently in Isreali-Palestinian peace process according to Middle East road map.
Foreign Ministry statement said, ''agreement reached between Israel and Palestinian National Administration regarded with withdrawal of Israeli forces from some parts of Gaza Strip and from Bethlehem and leaving control of those places to Palestinian side, and attitude of Palestinian National Administration Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in stressing their loyalty to the peace during their recent meeting, and announcement of temporary cease-fire by some of Palestinian organizations increased hope for peace.''
The statement said Turkey, who strongly supports road map, is ready to expend every kind of support to the sides to reach a lasting peace.
(AY) 02.07.2003