RAMALLAH, West Bank, Jan 5 (AFP) - Turkey's foreign minister pledged aid for the Palestinians during talks in the West Bank Wednesday after offering to help reconstruct the Gaza Strip when Israel pulls out of the territory.
"The Turkish people will continue to give strong support to the Palestinian cause," Abdullah Gul told a news conference after meeting Palestinian foreign minister Nabil Shaath in Ramallah.
"Turkey will expend great efforts to contribute to the peace process and Turkey is also preparing programmes to help in the economic and social needs of the Palestinian people."
Like a host of other foreign ministers who have visited the West Bank since Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat died in November, Gul said he detected an opportunity to open a new chapter in the troubled Middle East peace process.
Late Tuesday, Gul said Ankara was keen to assist in the revitalisation of Gaza after Israel pulls its troops and 8,000 settlers out of the territory by the end of the year.
"I think Turkey can help (in the rebuilding of Gaza) and we can work together," he said.
A Turkish delegation will arrive in the region on January 31 to discuss concrete assistance, the minister told reporters.
Asked what contribution Turkey could make, Shaath pointed to the need to shore up Palestinian security forces "but above all to continue pushing the peace process, to end settlement activity and move towards negotiations.
"In that matter we would welcome a role by Turkey," he said Wednesday.
Turkey sees itself in a perfect position to play a key mediating role, enjoying good relations with both Israel and the Palestinians.
"I believe that Turkey can make important contributions to the peace process as one of the rare countries which has the trust of both sides," Gul said.
He went on to meet prime minister Ahmed Qorei and acting president Rawhi Fattuh, ahead of a separate session with negotiations minister Saeb Erakat.
In an address to the Palestinian parliament, Gul said "violence and terrorism served only the opponents of peace" and said both sides had an "historic responsibility to end this atmosphere in the shortest possible time".
"I also believe that utmost efforts by the Palestinian administration to fulfil its obligations in the field of security are important for peace in the region."
He was also expected to meet with PLO chairman Mahmud Abbas, the overwhelming favourite to win Sunday's presidential election to replace Arafat.
The meeting was initially scheduled to take place in the early evening but sources said it was not expected to happen until at least 8:30pm (1830 GMT) after Abbas's return from campaigning in the southern West Bank was delayed.
A senior Turkish diplomat said Israeli leaders had welcomed the idea of Turkish involvement in Gaza during meetings with Gul on Tuesday.
"The Israelis encouraged us to encourage the Palestinians in their reforms to establish their democratic structures and institutions," he said on condition of anonymity.
"The Turkish side is also willing to help in the economic development of Gaza, and a government agency is planning to provide them with technical expertise, education and small loans."
While it has enjoyed a strong alliance with Israel, Ankara has not held back from criticising its conduct in the Palestinian territories.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan hit out at what he called "state terror" after a deadly Israeli operation in the Rafah region of southern Gaza last May, and Ankara temporarily recalled its ambassador.
01/05/2005 18:02 GMT - AFP