Turkish FM to Kerry: Ankara deeply concerned at tragic conditions in Gaza

ISTANBUL, July 14 (KUNA) -- Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has expressed Ankara's profound concern at the tragic conditions experienced by the Gazans in a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State of John Kerry, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Monday.
Minister Davutoglu, during the contact with Kerry, late on Sunday, voiced deep concern at the ongoing Israeli offensive on Gaza Strip, launched six days ago, namely the hard living conditions experienced by the besieged Gazans.
Turkey has already linked restoration of normal relations with Israeli with lifting the siege on Gaza, among other terms. Ankara has severed its diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv since an Israeli commando attack on a Turkish ship boarding relief supplies to the Gazans four years ago. Nine Turks died in the attack on Mavi Marmara ship at sea.
The official statement indicated that the Turkish foreign minister and his American counterpart discussed other issues, namely Ukraine, Crimea and Iraq.
Meanwhile, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressing an electoral rally yesterday, renewed his rhetorical attack on Israel for it "practices terrorism in Gaza and hits civilians with bombs." He reiterated that Ankara would not ponder restoring the ties with Israel, unless it halts the "aggression on Gaza." (end) ta.rk