Erdogan: Actions Of Israel Have Given Rise To Anti-semitism In The World

ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who also acts as leader of Justice and Development Party (AK Party) said on Tuesday, ``recent actions of Israel have given rise to anti-Semitism in the world.``
Speaking at the parliamentary group meeting of the AK Party, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ``during the G-8 Summit in the United States last week, I had the opportunity of explaining Turkey`s views about the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. The United Nations Security Council is aware of the developments, but the United States abstained.``
``In the past, the Ottoman Empire sheltered 500 thousand Jewish people driven away by the Spanish Inquisition. Now, Palestinian people are in a difficult position. As Muslim, we have always supported the oppressed people. No one can describe Palestine a criminal of the armament process. They use stones as weapon while Israel sprays them with bombs. There is a serious difference between them. As one of the biggest arm producers in the world, Israel cannot compare itself with Palestine. We do not have any problem with Israeli people. However, recent actions of Israel have given rise to anti-Semitism in the world. We consider anti-Semitism a crime against humanity. There is not any change in our views,`` Prime Minister Erdogan added.
(UK-AÖ) 15.06.2004