Israel Sees Iranian President's Visit To Turkey As "unfortunate"

ANKARA - Israel sees Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad`s visit to Turkey, which is expected to take place next week, as "unfortunate".
Israeli Embassy in Ankara officials said, "we see Ahmedinejad`s visit as unfortunate, especially in this sensitive time when Iran is refusing to give a clear and direct answer to the international community regarding it`s nuclear program."
"It`s also unfortunate to give legitimacy to a leader of a state who calls on a daily basis to the destruction of the state of Israel and deny the Holocaust," they said.
The same officials said that Israeli Ambassador to Turkey Gabby Levy met Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu to express Israel`s concerns over the visit.
They added, "Israel is supporting the diplomatic efforts about the Iranian nuclear issue but has reservations regarding giving legitimacy to Ahmedinejad."
Israel conveyed its views about President Ahmedinejad`s visit to Turkish authorities both in Ankara and Tel Aviv. Sources said that it was not a protest but the Israeli party conveyed its views regarding the visit verbally.
(UK-MS)