Turkish Prime Minister Defines Killing Of Sheik Ahmed Yassin As A Terrorist Act

ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan defined on Wednesday killing of Hamas spiritual leader Sheik Ahmed Yassin by Israel as ''a terrorist act'' and said that ''it overshadowed peace.''
Erdogan told A.A correspondent that it was no more possible to mediate between sides in the Middle East.
Noting that Middle East peace process was harmed with the Israeli missile attack which killed Hamas spiritual leader Sheik Ahmed Yassin, Erdogan said, ''there is no more anything like a road map.''
Erdogan stated that he thought such an ''assassination'' was not humane, Erdogan said, ''this person was released from prison since he was not physically strong and healthy. He was a captive of the Israelis, he was in prison and he was released from the prison since he was wheelchair-bound. And, then he was killed by such an assassination and such a missile attack. We should think and find in which definition of terrorism we can put this attack. I don't consider this incident within the scope of a defense understanding. Because, a person who is not physically strong is a person who doesn't have any defense power. This issue should be considered this way.''
''His being the spiritual leader of Hamas and his support to Hamas' attacks is another issue and therefore, should be considered differently. But, such a solution through violence will increase resentment, hatred and vows of revenge in the Middle East,'' Erdogan said.
Erdogan went on saying, ''I don't consider the statements of the Israeli administration after this incident correct. These statements cause other statements which will increase violence. These are all wrong.''
''If we want peace in the Middle East and if we want to solve these problems in the Middle East, firstly the Israeli administration should give up such attitudes and such an understanding. I think so. Also, I think that this terrorist act has harmed steps towards peace. I think it has overshadowed peace,'' Erdogan said.
When recalled that he had earlier proposed to mediate between Israel and Palestine, Erdogan said, ''mediation is not possible from now on. Yes, we were preparing for such a mediation and we were in an effort to lay the groundwork. But, this incident harmed all our sincere will.''
Erdogan noted that Turkish Foreign Ministry contacted Israel after that incident but he did not have any personal contact with Israel.
(BRC) 24.03.2004