WordBulletin

In a webcam message to be posted in the videosharing internet site Youtube, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope to establish peace in the Middle East.

After his meeting with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Davos within the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, Erdogan said in his message that the year 2009 began with troubles in some parts of the world.

Reminding that nearly 1,300 Palestinians were killed and thousands were wounded in Israeli offensive against Gaza, Erdogan said Gaza's infrastructure was totally destroyed and the urban superstructure was seriously damaged.

"We should exert efforts about how to contribute to Middle East peace," Erdogan said.

He also said that he was hopeful about the new U.S. administration regarding the Middle East policy.

"In fact, I expect Mr. Barack Obama to be the voice of all those silent and destitute masses," Erdogan said.

He also said that Turkey has always been ready to play its part whenever needed to establish peace in the Middle East.

Turkish court banned Youtube in response to videos that it deemed insulting to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and Under Turkish law, it is a crime to insult Ataturk.

Turks are still unable to reach the website.


Agencies