Visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said in Damascus
on Sunday that his country would not let Israel use its airspace to
launch attack against Syria as tension remains high after an air
raid by the Jewish state into deep Syria last month.
"Turkey will not let Turkish territory or airspace be used in
any activity that could harm the security or safety of Syria,"
Babacan said at a joint press conference with his Syrian
counterpart Walid al-Muallem before leaving Damascus.
On September 6, Israeli aircrafts launched an air raid in
northern Syria, which also reportedly violated the Turkish
airspace.
Babacan said Ankara had no prior knowledge of the raid and he
would ask responsible Israeli institutions to provide clarification
on this issue during his tour there.
"The region is at a very dangerous and sensitive stage. We
always urge all parties to reach solutions through dialogue and
peaceful means," he said.
Meanwhile, the Turkish top diplomat mentioned that he chose
Syria as his first destination abroad after assuming duties as
foreign minister in August to highlight the importance of
maintaining strong bilateral ties with the country.
Describing talks with Syrian officials as "useful and
constructive," Babacan said they focused on bilateral relations and
regional issues of common interest.
Babacan arrived here Saturday for a two-day official visit as
part of his Middle East tour, which will also lead him to Jordan,
Israel and the Palestinian territories.
(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2007)
