RAMALLAH, West Bank, Jan 5 (AFP) - Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul was holding talks with Palestinian leaders Wednesday after offering help for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip when Israel pulls out of the territory.
"The Turkish people will continue to give strong support to the Palestinian cause," Gul told reporters after talks with Palestinian foreign minister Nabil Shaath in the West Bank town of 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," he added.
Like a host of other foreign ministers who have visited the West Bank since Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat died in November, Gul has detected an opportunity to open a new chapter in the troubled Middle East peace process.
"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.
Turkey sees itself in a perfect position to play a key mediating role, enjoying good relations with both Israel and the Palestinians.
Gul was later scheduled to address the Palestinian parliament, as well as meet prime minister Ahmed Qorei and negotiations minister Saeb Erakat.
He may also meet PLO chairman Mahmud Abbas, who is the overwhelming favourite to win Sunday's presidential election to replace the Arafat
Gul called for the vote to be held in an open and transparent manner, after pressing the post-Arafat Palestinian leadership to usher in a new era.
"I believe the new Palestinian leadership will make a new start and will be more reformist," he said late Tuesday.
He 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.
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.
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, the current Turkish government 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 10:30 GMT - AFP