Turkish PM: We Will Continue to Back Jerusalem and Gaza

[ 24/11/2010 - 08:13 PM ]

BEIRUT, (PIC)--

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during a visit to the Lebanese city of Akkar that if war broke out in the region the loser will not only be the region’s people, but Israeli citizens will share losses as well.

Erdogan, speaking before thousands in its neighboring state, called on Israel to quit acting provocatively, recant on its blunders, and apologize to the region’s people.

“We in the region will unite and grow for what’s right and for the rule of law, and we will stand in the face of the wrongdoers and in the face of the wrongdoing.”

The Turkish premier assured that his country will continue to back the causes of Jerusalem and Gaza until all rights are restored.

“We will say this strongly in the face of the murderers, yes, your are murderers. Trust fully that we will raise our voices high against the tyranny, and continue to defend what’s right as long as there are people working in piracy on the high seas; and we will defend the rights of the innocent and oppressed.”

Meanwhile, the Israeli security cabinet discussed Wednesday the possibility of reigniting tensions with the Hezbollah group in Lebanon following an expected ruling by the international court in charge of investigating into the assassination of the country’s former prime minister Rafik Hariri.

Senior officials predict that strong tensions between Israel and Lebanon will return if Hezbollah is charged with the 2005 Hariri assassination, Israeli radio said.

Israeli military Chief of Staff Gaby Ashkenazy said during a visit to Canada last week that Hezbollah may try to stage a coup in Lebanon if handed responsibility for Hariri’s death.

“There is a real possibility that Hezbollah will take control of Lebanon,” Ashkenazi warned.

Hezbollah has accused the international court of being politicized and working for Israel.

No statement was issued to conclude the meeting which was attended by Israeli intelligence agency heads.

Turkey vows reaction to Israel threat

Press TV, Thu Nov 25, 2010 2:11PM  

Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pledged reaction on the part of Ankara to any potential Israeli offensive against Lebanon.

Erdogan described Israel as full of "uncertainties" and said, "It is not definite what it will do." He further warned of the prospects of such hostilities, Turkey's state Anatolia news agency (AA) reported on Thursday.

"Does (Israel) think it can enter Lebanon with the most modern aircraft and tanks to kill women and children, and destroy schools and hospitals, and then expect us to remain silent?" AFP quoted him as saying in the Lebanese capital of Beirut.

The Turkish leader is currently on a two-day visit to the country aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties and voicing support for Beirut in the face of a volatile international situation.

"We will not be silent and we will support justice by all means available to us."

Ankara has opposed the last round of Tel Aviv's offensives on southern Lebanon, which killed around 1,200 Lebanese, most of them civilians in 2006.

"In the event of war, the citizens of Israel will also be losers," the Turkish leader warned.

The Lebanese resistance movement of Hezbollah, which defeated Israel in the 33-day hostilities and headed off Tel Aviv's offensives on the country in 2000, has vowed to respond with determination to any future Israel-launched warfare.

The resistance movement has publicly announced that it has the capability to hit targets deep inside Israel and to strike Israeli Navy vessels even before they reach the Lebanese waters.

The Middle East was passing through a sensitive period, Erdogan said, and called for "unity and integrity" among regional countries.

He insisted that Israel "must realize that if there is peace and security in the region, it will also benefit."

HN/ZHD/AKM