Israeli, Turkish Officials say They are Close to Repairing Relations

Turkish and Israeli ministers say they are close to mending relations that were severely strained after the 2010 killing of nine Turkish activists on a boat seeking to break Israel's economic blockade of Gaza.

In the latest negotiations to thaw bilateral relations, Turkish and Israeli diplomats are reportedly due to meet this month.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus last week announced that a deal was close to being reached. Political columnist Semih Idiz of Turkey’s Cumhuriyet newspaper says there is powerful political momentum behind rapprochement efforts with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan backing the process.

"... First with Erdogan coming out and saying, 'Whether we like it or not, we have to have this' and then various ministers saying it is about to happen, it is on the verge of happening. I think it is actually on the way. I think they are probably working out the fine points," said Idiz.

Israel has already met one of Ankara’s demands, by apologizing for the killing of the nine Turkish activists aboard a boat seeking to break Israeli's economic blockade of Gaza. Turkish media are reporting agreement has been reached over the amount Israel will pay in compensation to the families of those killed...
 [voanews.com]
13/6/16
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