Erdogan: normalization with Israel possible

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hinted at rapprochement with Israel, saying such rapprochement would be beneficial for the entire region.

Erdogan, however, reminded of Turkey's three precondtions for a possible rapprochement with Israel, pointing out that Turkey demands an apology for the 2010 Mavi Marmara massacre of Turkish activists by Israeli forces, compensation for the victims' families and an end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip. The Turkish President noted that only the first one was fulfilled.

"I already said that once the compensation and the embargo problems were resolved, normalization process may start. This normalization process would be good for us, Israel, Palestine and the entire region. The region definitely needs this," Erdogan said "I don't believe the Israeli public is pleased with the current state of relations. We need to consider the interests of the people of the region and introduce peace," he added.

Last week, Israeli Energy Minister voiced governmental discussions over possible natural gas exports to Turkey hinting that the country wishes to improve ties with regional countries, especially Turkey.

Sources: MENA