Israel calls on Turkey to stand united in anti-terror fight

Serkan Demirtaş - ANKARA

Israel's President Reuven Rivlin speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem. AP photo

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin called on his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, to stand united against the terror in the Middle East in a letter of condolences over Turkey’s most fatal terrorist incident that claimed the lives of at least 95 people.

“We all, throughout the world, but particularly in our region, face the threat of terrorism which attacks indiscriminately, killing and wounding the innocent. We must stand united against in the fight against those who promote the use of violence rather than dialogue and continue to destroy the lives of so many,” Rivlin said in his letter sent to Erdoğan on Oct 11.

“I believe that you share my hopes for a better and more secure future for all the peoples of our region,” he said.

Rvilin said they were “shocked and saddened” to learn of the vicious attacks in Ankara which targeted people seeking peace. “On behalf of the people of Israel I would like to offer our sincere condolences to Your Excellency, to the people of Turkey and to its leaders,” he said.

The relationship between Turkey and Israel has been severely strained after Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara vessel was raided by Israeli commandos, killing nine Turkish and one Turkish-American citizen on board.