Turkish FM defends relations with Israel

In a statement to the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot Turkish Foreign Minister Ismael said "despite the strong criticism we receive from the Arab world because of our special links with Israel, we are not ready to sacrifice these links nor to minimize them."

Cem made it clear that his country's military cooperation with Israel " does not intend to threaten other states in the Middle east," SANA reported.

But added addressing the Israelis "I hope that 'you' in Israel do not exaggerate the dimensions of this co-operation, nor to exploit our military co-operation to provoke the Arabs and play with their nerves."

The exchange of visits between Turkey and Israel has increased since the two sides signed a military cooperation agreement in February 1996 that aroused criticism in the Arab states.

Turkey's problems with the Arab states stems from conflict it has with Iraq for constant violation of Iraqi territories and regarding division of water rights. Syria also has water rights problems with Turkey along with Turkish claims that Syria supports Kurdish forces that oppose the Turkish government and Turkey had accused of being terrorists.

Last weeks visit by Syrian officials to Turkey to resolve some of the outstanding problems failed to achieved positive results.