Davutoğlu reveals background of Israel’s apology to Turkey

PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu revealed the background of Israel’s apology to Turkey over the Mavi Marmara killings of 2010, Hurriyet Daily News reported.

“On every diplomatic field, there was heavy pressure on Israel. In some international organizations and other issues there was an ‘area restriction,” Davutoğlu said on air of the private SKYTürk 360 TV channel, adding that the result was an outcome of persistent diplomacy, “because Israel needs to feel this pressure.”

The FM said both sides came closer to striking a deal on some occasions but it was the Israeli side that always stepped back. The issue was first brought up during U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to Turkey, Davutoğlu said. “After Kerry’s visit we had contact over the telephone, SMS and emails.”

Davutoğlu said Kerry came up with an offer initiative that aimed to solve the dispute between the two countries during U.S. President Barack Obama’s visit to Israel and Turkey, and accepted the offer on some conditions. “There should be no surprise, everything must be clear and a text should be known.”

Davutoğlu said all contacts during the 15 days before the apology were maintained through Washington, and Turkey and Israel did not contact each other directly. “Obama’s presence during the phone conversation softened the atmosphere,” Davutoğlu said.