ANKARA - Turkey welcomed the approval of Israeli Parliament on Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to withdraw from Gaza Strip and a part of West Bank.
Turkish Foreign Ministry stated on Thursday, ''Turkey expects this decision to be fulfilled accurately.''
''Israel's ending occupation in Gaza Strip will have a meaning only if it is a step on the path to comprehensive and permanent peace between Israel and Palestine. Thus, process of withdrawal should be assessed for providing cooperation and negotiations within the scope of the Road Map between sides. We hope this withdrawal will take place as an important stage within the Road Map,'' added the statement.
''Settlers in Gaza should not be directed to West Bank so that withdrawal plan will be assessed as a progress within the scope of a process towards a solution including two states. The plan should be carried out in cooperation with Palestine National Autonomous Administration,'' noted the statement.
The statement said, ''Turkey is ready to make necessary contribution within this withdrawal process and in case of an agreement for reconstruction of Gaza.''
(GC-AÖ) 28.10.2004