Peter Lyukimson, Israel. Exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza
A top official in Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that Turkey and Israel are close to signing an agreement on settlement of the conflict over Mavi-Marmara ferry and complete normalization of relations.
According to the Israeli side, at first Turkey demanded compensation of $1 million to each family of Turkish citizens who were perished in the incident. Israel considered the sum unreal and was ready to pay $100 thousand to each family, and it lead to freezing of the talks.
“Both countries are indeed interested in normalization of relations and returning to cooperation, especially in the context of recent events in the region. Ankara softened its stand in recent time and declared a more reasonable sum of compensation. It made the talks continue. In fact the treaty is ready, only few figures should be written in its last lines and a couple of sentences should be agreed. The gap between the sides is reducing and I believe it will be signed in the nearest future,” the official said.
It seems secret talks between Israel and Turkey continued for several weeks. The Istanbul hotel of Conrad was chosen as a place for talks. Turkey was presented by the deputy foreign minister Firudin Sinirlioglu.
It is expected that the agreement between Israel and Turkey will be announced right after its signing. Then, Turkey will send its ambassador to Israel, and the Turkish parliament will adopt a law forbidding any suits against Israel and its military men on the incident on Mavi-Marmara.
