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Erdogan: No relations with Israel until it apologizes

Turkish premier Recep Erdogan has affirmed that his government would not restore normal relations with Israel until it apologizes over the "savage attack" on the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara that was carrying relief aid to the Gaza Strip late last May.

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 Turkish premier Recep Erdogan has affirmed that his government would not restore normal relations with Israel until it apologizes over the "savage attack" on the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara that was carrying relief aid to the Gaza Strip late last May.

Erdogan told France 24 TV channel that Israel should apologize and pay compensations then talks could start.

Turkey's relations with Israel sharply deteriorated following the Israeli attack that left nine Turkish nationals dead and many others wounded.

"Israel is the one responsible for the current state of relations between us," he underscored, adding, "How can we forgive an aerial and naval attack against a ship flying the Turkish flag and carrying passengers from various countries who were wishing to help other people".

"Did they find any weapons? No, they attacked those unarmed people from the air and sea and there is no justification whatsoever for such a behavior", he underlined.

For his part, Turkish foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu seconded his premier's stand by saying that Turkish-Israeli relations would not return to normalcy unless Israel officially apologizes and offers compensations for victims of the attack on the Freedom Flotilla at international waters.

He told reporters in his country's embassy in Rome on Tuesday that if any other country had launched such an attack it would have suffered grave consequences such as the imposition of international sanctions.