ANKARA, March 9 (A.A) - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said on Saturday that recent developments in Middle East had been threatening peace and stabilitiy in the region.
Releasing a written statement, Cem said, ''some 'serious' develepmonts have occurred in the Middle East. The Middle East has turned into a war field as a result of clashes between Israelis and Palestinians. Recent developments in the Middle East have been threatening peace and stability in the region. Latest incidents appear to be a joint suicide committed by Israeli and Palistinian peoples. Turkey, as a country having historical ties, friendly relations and benefits in the Middle East, describes the current situation in the region as serious.''
''Turkey is one of a few countries having bilateral relations with both Israel and Palestine. Adharents of three different monotheist faiths have lived in peace in the same geography for five centuries during the Ottoman Empire period. Turkey has been holding continuous contacts with both sides in order to put an end to bloodshed,'' he said.
Cem noted, ''Some approaches says that first acts of violence should come to an end and then sides should meet with each other. Such approaches based on preconditions are totaly wrongful. Turkish government has been underlining it since the very beginning. The most important thing is to resume negotiations immediately and without any preconditions. Both sides should put an end to acts of violence as soon as possible. Palestine should do its utmost to isolate and judge the elements of violence within itself. Meanwhile, Israel should put an end to use of extreme force and to its actions resulted in killing of innocent people. The United States, as the country that has expended the most efforts to settle peace between Israel and Palestine, should increase its influence. Turkey has been supporting initiatives launched by regional countries and the European Union (EU) to put an end to acts of violence. Turkey will continue to launch necessary initiatives with the aim of settling peace in the region.''
Cem called on Israeli and Palestinian administrations to give up policies that have resulted in violence and death.