Demirel holds talks with Barak

Turkish President Suleiman Demirel has described Israeli - Turkish relations as excellent on all levels, whereas Israeli Prime Minsiter Ehud Barak stressed that Israel pays great interests to its relations with Turkey.

Israel Radio said that Barak stressed at the conclusion of his meeting on Wednesday with President Demirel means of strengthening bilateral economic relations as well as means of implementing various projects. Israel Radio added that Demirel then met with Israeli President Ezer Weizman, but gave no mention of the content of the talks that took place between the two sides.

Demirel, who will also visit Tel Aviv, the Palestinian territories and then Jordan said, "Relations between the two sides are excellent to the extent that no better relations are predicted."

In an interview with the Israeli daily Maariv, Demirel said his country will be very content if Syria reaches a peace agreement with Israel.

Demirel added, "Such a peace agreement," will not annoy "us." On the contrary, he said, "We know well that peace with Syria will not be at the expense of relations between Turkey and Israel," adding that his country's relations with Syria have also improved.

In the same framework, high-ranking Turkish officials said Turkey will keep its same military relations with Israel and does not intend to raise the level of these relations in order not to raise the fears of the neighboring Arab states.