Tensions between Israel and Turkey continue

Ankara Anatolia news agency reported that the Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan announced that Turkey recalled its chief Commercial Counsellor from Israel.

Caglayan said at a meeting with a delegation from the Independent Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (MUSIAD), that “we are going to carry out our commercial relations with Israel in the level of Counsellor. But there is not an interruption in our commercial relations.”

“Israeli investors and the Israeli people are concerned about these developments on behalf of their Government. Turkey does not have any problems with the Israeli people. The problem is the Israeli Government itself and its wrongful attitude. Many countries including USA condemned the raid. Killing of nine innocent people cannot be justified,” he said.

Moreover, Turkish daily Today’s Zaman reported that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israel of failing to meet its obligations in defence deals, saying Israel had not returned drones that Turkey had bought and sent back for maintenance.

“Israel is not being loyal to bilateral agreements in the defence industry,” he told reporters. “There could be difficulties, problems with another country, such things may happen, but there is an international code of ethics that needs to be upheld in business agreements,” he said.

Yesterday, Erdogan said Turkey would not care if the sanctions prove costly for Turkey because it is the national pride that is at stake. “The cost could be $15 million or $150 million. We as Turkey would not be bothered by this. What is important for us is that we don’t let anyone trample our pride,” he said.