Erdogan will try to visit Palestine and Gaza in April

Speaking at a program of his ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party in Salihli town of the western province of Manisa on Saturday, Bulent Arinc underlined that "Israel for the first time in its history officially made an apology". Arinc's comments came after Israel on March 22 made an apology to Turkey for the fatal Israeli raid on the Mavi Marmara aid ship in May 2010 which resulted in the killing of nine Turks. Israel also accepted to pay reparations to the families of the Turkish victims. There have been international efforts made in the past three years for us to accept another word instead of "an apology" but we refused, Arinc underlined. At the end, Turkey earned what it demanded: an apology, reparations for the families of the Turkish victims, and an end to the blockade of Gaza, Arinc noted. On the issue of reparations, Prime Minister Erdogan gave me the responsibility to work with the Turkish Foreign Ministry and Turkish Justice Ministry, Arinc stated. We will hold talks with the families of the victims of the fatal Israeli raid on Mavi Marmara aid ship before we go on, Arinc also said.