ANKARA - Republican People's Party (CHP) Deputy Chairman Onur Oymen met with Israeli Ambassador to Turkey Pinhas Avivi on Friday.
Replying to questions of journalists following the meeting, Oymen said that the meeting took place upon request of Avivi.
''Mr. Avivi informed us on Israeli army's operation on Rafah refugee camp. He told us that the news stories in the press about the operation were not realistic, and that the death toll was exaggerated. He said that the event was a mistake, and apologized for the attacks,'' he said.
Pointing out that Avivi also gave information about efforts aiming to resolve the Palestinian issue, Oymen said, ''Avivi told at the meeting that Palestinians killed many Israeli people and that they expected the international community to condemn Palestine.''
''According to our point of views, relatives of those who lost their lives in the events should be paid compensations and those who are responsible should be brought to justice. Expressions of sorrow are not enough at all. We condemn all kinds of acts of violence. Nothing can justify such acts,'' he said.
Stressing that they had been pursuing a careful policy about the Middle East, Oymen said that acts of violence in the region should come to an end as soon as possible.
(UK-BRC) 21.05.2004