Minister: Israel’s apology to Turkey important for int’l affairsMarch 30, 2013 - 11:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did the correct and rational thing by apologizing to Turkey last week over the Mavi Marmara, International Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz (Likud) said Friday, March 29 evening in an interview with Channel 2, according to The Jerusalem Post. He added that in his opinion Israel should have apologized three years ago He noted that while the issue was important to the U.S., but the initiative was Israel's. "We took into account that [Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip] Erdogan would try to portray it as a victory," he said. Steinitz, however, said the affair was not a matter of justice, but that relations with Turkey are important and reconciliation between the two countries will allow renewed discussion about the Syria crisis. He also said that the move should put an end to legal claims against IDF soldiers involved in the raid of theMavi Marmara flotilla that led to the death of nine Turks. "We put the ball in their court... we did what we needed to do," he opined, explaining that Netanyahu had decided to take advantage of U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to the region to put an end to the affair. Also questioned on the state's budget, the former finance minister said his replacement Yair Lapid is conveying the right overall message - that the budget is difficult. "He is doing the right thing, he is preparing the public for tough cuts. There will always be cuts, but this time is will be particularly difficult," Steinitz said. He pointed to recommendations made by the Trajtenberg Committee on Socioeconomic Change - brought about by the social justice movement - as a major cause of necessary budget cuts, saying that they costs 10 billion Shekels. "Now we need to fund those recommendations," he said. Steinitz, however, was keen to emphasize that relative to the economy in the rest of the world, Israel's economy is in good shape. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |