ANKARA, Feb 8 (AFP) - Turkey welcomed a breakthrough ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians on Tuesday, urging the parties to stick to their commitment on the way to a lasting peace settlement.
The foreign ministry said Ankara was "greatly pleased" with the accord announced by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas at a landmark summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt earlier in the day.
"Turkey sincerely wishes that the parties observe fully the commitment they made at Sharm el-Sheikh... and move towards the objective of ultimate peace.
"Turkey... is determined to support and make concrete contributions to any effort aimed at the goal of lasting peace," the statement said.
During a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories last month, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said his country was ready to work to facilitate peace initiatives in the region, counting on Ankara's close ties with both sides.
02/08/2005 17:03 GMT - AFP