The U.S. Department of State said that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to continue important dialogue with Israel because that relationship remains a "vitally important" one to the future of the region.

Philip Crowley, spokesman for the Department of State, said at the daily briefing, "earlier this morning, the secretary had about a 45-minute conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoglu. They reviewed a wide range of subjects during the call, including the situation with respect to Iran. The secretary also talked to the foreign minister and reiterated the United States's commitment to help with the PKK"

"The PKK remains a common enemy of Turkey, the United States and Iraq and is a threat to the stability of the region. And we continue to support efforts by Turkey and Iraq to deal with the problem of the PKK," the spoeksman said.

"And finally, the secretary encouraged the foreign minister to continue important dialogue with Israel because that relationship remains a vitally important one to the future of the region," he added.

Sources said Davutoglu and Clinton also took up Israel's attack on a ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, noting Davutoglu reiterated importance of establishing an international commission to investigate the attack.
Sources said Clinton conveyed her views to Davutoglu on her visit to the Caucasus and Davutoglu relayed his views regarding his visit to the Balkans. 

 

AA