Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday that a solution to conflict between Israel and Palestine should not ostracize Hamas.
Erdogan met with U.S. Middle East Special Envoy George Mitchell in Ankara to discuss Middle East peace process and other regional issues, reported
Erdogan told Mitchell that such a solution ostracizing Hamas would not be realistic, Prime Ministry sources said, Anadolu agency reported.
"Turkey has always pushed Hamas to contribute to peace after it won elections in Palestine and there has been significant changes in Hamas after these suggestions," Erdogan was quoted as saying by sources.
"I told Hamas to recognize 1993 Oslo peace negotiations because continuity is of vital importance in state policies. We have urged Hamas to take into account that continuity," Erdogan told Mitchell.
Erdogan also said that Turkish government was pleased with efforts exerted by the Obama administration for quest of a longlasting solution in the Middle East.
However, he said the Turkish government expected international and U.S. efforts to open border crossings to Gaza to supply humanitarian aid to 50,000 Palestinian people who are living in tents.
Mitchell said that Turkey was "a crucial ally" of the United States and important force for peace and security in the Middle East.
"As an important democratic nation with strong relations with Israel, Turkey has a unique role to play and has significant influence on our efforts to promote comprehensive peace in the Middle East," said Mitchell.
Mitchell pointed out that his visit was a sign of Obama Administration's appreciation of Turkey's continuing commitment to a comprehensive peace and to a two-state solution to the Palestine problem.
"We welcome Turkey's participation in the upcoming donors' conference in Sharm El Sheikh and we look forward to its leadership, as we actively pursue that peace, beginning with a durable cease fire and with strong efforts to meet the humanitarian needs in Gaza," said Mitchell.
Mitchell said it was important to look forward, and work together to build a secure and prosperous future for all of the people of the region.
Erdogan and Mitchell also discussed Turkey-brokered Syria-Israel indirect peace talks.
Mitchell expressed wish for the continuation of talks between Israel and Syria, sources said.