135 replies to this topic

[Ababeel]

Turkish PM storms off in Gaza row

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stormed off the stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos after an argument with Israel's president.

Mr Erdogan clashed with Shimon Peres in a discussion on the recent fighting in the Gaza Strip, telling him: "You are killing people."

Mr Peres said Mr Erdogan would have done the same had rockets hit Istanbul.

Mr Erdogan accused the moderator of not allowing him to speak and said he did not think he would return to Davos.

He was cut off as he attempted to reply to a passionate defence of Israel's actions made by Mr Peres.

Turkey is one of the few Muslim countries to have dealings with Israel, but relations have been under strain since the Islamist-rooted AK Party was elected to power in 2002.

"I do not think I will be coming back to Davos after this because you do not let me speak," Mr Erdogan shouted before marching off the stage in front of Mr Peres, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and an elite audience of ministers and international officials.

He criticised the moderator for cutting him short on the grounds that the debate had gone over time.

Mr Peres had told the audience Israel was forced on to the offensive against Hamas by thousands of rockets and mortars fired into Israel.

"The tragedy of Gaza is not Israel, it is Hamas," the Israeli leader said. "They created a dictatorship. A very dangerous one."

More than 1,300 Palestinians and 14 Israelis were killed during the three-week conflict which began on 27 December.

http://news.bbc.co.u...vos/7859417.stm

[Ababeel]

[aziqbal]

can you ever imagine these slave arab leaders doing such a thing, well done Mr Erdogan atleast you have shown ur not a push over

[Hellraiser006]

Hopefully the world is waking up to this terrorist cancer called Israhell. However secular the Turks may claim to be, they are still muslim and the feelings of Ummah willnever die. In fact the Turkish PM has showed more love for the Ummah by what he has done than Hosny 'the dog' NaMubarak.

I bet his actions have just put Turkish membership of the EU back another 500 years.

Edited by Hellraiser006, 29 January 2009 - 02:22 PM.

[Ababeel]

With English translation

[Psycoo]

brave

[UGUR]

thank you my prime minister.. i was not your supporter in turkey but thank you very much ,thank you very much ....
you showed how to behave against jewish... thanks THANKS...

[Speedray]

I always supported Abdullah Gull and Tayab Erdgan - since they were elected as Prime Minister

they are the best leader Turkey have in current situation .. I hope they will take wise and brave decisions to start cutting off relations with Israel.

[PakSniper786]

I support the Prime Minster; that was a brave action he took. If it were any other Islamic country, they would have just sit there sipping on a cup of water. Not just that he did it in front of Israel which has a meaning in it of itself, and not even looking at the Isro on the way out.

He's a man who put the Ummah before any other interests, even if Turkey is secular there still Muslims inside. Good Work.

[asal-main]

Uptil the time Turkish PM spoke, western leaders were pretty much smooching israel's ass. American moderator kept talking over Erdogan, constantly cutting him off. Dinner break was clearly more important to him than dead Muslim civilians. Erdogan said you let Peres speak for 25 minutes, and giving me less than half the time, I wont come back. Long live Erdogan.

[Slayer]

he was protesting at the unfair treatment by the moderator who gave peres 20-25 minutes and then only 2 minutes to erdogan.

I find it a good move, he showed the mod that he can not accept such behaviour even if it about israel. Next time they will be more fair.

[asal-main]

This is atleast the second time he tore into Israel but this was the kind of place where most other leaders including arabs and arab league take pride in appearing as good servants to the west. More admirable than the walkout were his blunt words to the face of israel's president.

He was personally humiliated since only few days before israel attacked gaza, Peres had given him assurances of peace moves and deals. He even told Peres he his older than himself, which means Erdogan was holding back. Only in Muslim and some non-western cultures we have that kind of regard for older people.

[AL-khalid]

I admire him. He's one of the main reasson why I still respect the Turkish nation till today. He's like the gem of the past glory of the Turks, they're turely lucky to have such a great leader ... Some of his quotes :

"It is not possible to be a secular and a Muslim at the same time. They are continuously saying, "Secularism is in danger." It will be, if this nation demands it. You can not prevent it. The Islamic nation is waiting for the rise of the Muslim Turkish nation. We will. This rebellion will start."

Erdogan's beginning
"Mosques are our barracks,
domes our helmets,
minarets our bayonets,
believers our soldiers.
This holy army guards my religion.
Almighty our journey is our destiny,
the end is martyrdom.
....
....


—Erdogan's version

[PakSniper786]

Turkish PM Erdoğan storms out of heated Mideast debate

Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan stormed out of a debate on the Middle East at the World Economic Forum on Thursday, saying he might never return to the annual gathering of the rich and powerful.

Israel's President Shimon Peres had launched a fiery defense of his country's assault on Gaza over the past month and, with a raised voice and pointed finger, questioned what Erdogan would do if rockets were fired at Istanbul every night.

As the debate, which also included United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and Arab League chief Amr Moussa, was ending, Erdogan was cut short as he tried to respond.

"I don't think I will come back to Davos because you don't let me speak," the Turkish prime minister said, as he stood up and walked out of the conference hall in the Swiss ski resort.

"The president spoke for only 25 minutes. I have only spoken for half of that."

Turkey's state-run Anatolian news agency quoted Erdogan as saying to Peres: "When it comes to killing you know very well how to kill. I know very well how you killed children on the beaches."

In a hastily-called news conference, Erdogan later explained that he had been upset with both the moderation of the debate and Peres' manner.

"My reaction was directed at the moderator. I think that if we have moderation in this way, we won't really get out of Davos what we all come here to get out of Davos, and it would cast a shadow over efforts to reach peace," Erdogan said.

"President Peres was speaking to the prime minister of Turkey -- I am not just some leader of some group or tribe, so he should have addressed me accordingly," he told reporters.

http://www.todayszam...amp;link=165507

I have to say strong words from the Prime Minster! While the Arabs just sit there. Talking about Martyr-ship and tossing first aid kits across the border.

[meengla]

He has earned my respect!

Also, I have seen Israeli bloggers today after this incident. They are scared crap of losing Turkey which is the most vital country for Israel after, of course, America. Some idiotic Israeli bloggers are suggesting the Armenian genocide campaign against the Turks while some suggested to influence Europeans to deny the EU membership to Turkey once and for all.

Turkey can gain a lot by joining its 'natural allies' which are to its east and to its south (minus Israel). If Turkey alone cuts ties with Israel like Venezuela has done then it would be a huge blow to Israeli morale. A HUGE blow!

[usmanakram]

MASHA'Allah IM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY ALL MY TURKISH FRIENDS ARE GOING CRAZY THEY WERE HOPING FOR THIS 2 HAPPEND YESSSSSS THE BUBBLE BURSTSSSS MUSLIM LEADERS ALSO MADDD

AND SEE I CHECKED THIS NEWS ON TELETEXT ON TV IN HOLLAND AND THEY TRANSFORMED THE STORY INTO SOME PROPEGANDA #### MAKING ERDOGAN BAD

MUST SPREAD THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pak_Afaz]

Best perfomance ever. I was always skeptical about Turkey and its obsession for the EU membership, but now i changed my mind completly. Well done Turkey, well done! Anyway if we think about it, theres nothing to be happy about because any individual with a bit of heart would react the same way in the face of pure evil.

[Syed]

I have a great deal of respect for Turkey, it's people and especially the current leadership in Ankara. The previous leadership was self serving in my opinion and didn't really pull it's weight whether it came to EU or arms purchases. The current group is slowly turning Turkey into an economic and military powerhouse. In the next 10-15 years Turkey will be manufacturing a lot of it's own military hardware and that's where Pakistan will benefit. As it will be able to purchase top of the line weapons from both Turkey and China. As I have said before Turkey, Iran and Pakistan are natural allies.

WHERE ARE THE ARABS THE SO CALLED CUSTODIANS OF OUR FAITH AND THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES?

Syed

[meengla]

Best perfomance ever. I was always skeptical about Turkey and its obsession for the EU membership, but now i changed my mind completly. Well done Turkey, well done! Anyway if we think about it, theres nothing to be happy about because any individual with a bit of heart would react the same way in the face of pure evil.

Oh, don't change it 'completely' yet! Yes, what we saw was honest, heartfelt views of Ordogan.

But watch this:

http://www.presstv.c...layer/?id=83813

This gets especially interesting after 7 minutes. Yumaz Selim of/from Turkey clearly wants his PM to do some 'concrete' steps. He thinks that the EU membership is hanging over Turkey like a carrot which will never be really offered to Turkey but will make Turkey a perpetual part of the Western alliance.

PS. The above video is another example of how much incisive discourse in the rest of the world, now available to us through the internet. Who needs the Fox News, the BBCs, the CNNs of this world?!

[pakimyself]

Shame on other muslim leaders who are still participating.



Moderator: There was a heated debate here. This is a discussion that can last for hours. We are already out of time.

Erdoğan: One minute.

Moderator: Mr. Prime Minister, well, you know

Erdoğan: One minute, one minute! No! One minute.

Moderator: Ok, but I want you not to speak more than one minute.

Erdoğan: Mr. Peres, you are older than me. Your voice is very loud. I know that you are speaking aloud because of the requirement of a sense of guilt. My voice will not be that loud. About murdering, you know killing very well. I am well aware how you murdered children on beaches. Two former prime ministers of your country had important sayings to me. You have former prime ministers who say When I entered Palestine on tanks, I feel more and more pleased. I can give their names. Maybe some of you wonder. Besides, I condemn those of you who applaud this persecution. Because applauding these killers who murdered those children, who massacred those people is, I believe, also another crime committed against humanity. Look, we cannot disregard a reality here. Here, I jotted down a lot of notes, but I dont have time to answer all of them. But, I will say you only two things:

Moderator: Excuse me Prime Minister, we cant start the debate again.

Erdoğan: Excuse me. First ... excuse me, do NOT interrupt me!... First, The Old Testament says in the 6th commandment: "You shall not kill!" But there is murder here. Second, this is also very interesting. Gilad Atzmon, a Jewish himself, says: Israeli barbarity is far beyond even the cruelty. Besides, Avi Shlaim, Professor of Oxford who performed his military duty in Israeli army, says in the Guardian the following:

Moderator: Prime Minister, Prime Minister. I wanna ask to our host.

Erdoğan: Israel became a gangster state. (to the moderator) I thank you, too. For me ... Davos is done for me from now on. I will never come to Davos again. You shall all know this in this way. You are not letting us speak. (Showing Peres) He spoke for 25 minutes, but you let me speak 12 minutes. No way!

"The translation may not be exact, particularly those of the moderator (i had to translate his sayings using the interpreter's translation to Turkish as i cannot hear what he says). On Erdogan's speech, it was difficult for me to translate some of phrases, but i guess the translation gives more or less the same meaning.. Enjoy .)"

[PakSniper786]

Already a thread in global military watch.

[TheIce]

Translation

*Faces Israeli President*

You are much older than me....but your voice is very loud. Perhaps this is because by raising your voice you are indirectly feeling guilty for what you have done. You are trying to justify your actions by trying to speak over me.

Know that my voice will not be as loud as yours. But I can say one thing.

When it comes to killing....you and your people know this very well. You are a man who kills innocent children in their homes. You are a man who kills families when they go to the beech for a picnic.

You have had previous presidents who have stated they felt very happy when they were able to enter Palestine on tanks. They SAID that they were happy killing palestinians.

*faces the camera*

THOSE who applaud at such a disgusting INHUMANE massacre...such disgusting....bloodthirsty threatment.........YOU are equally held accountable. I CONDEMN you for applauding at such a barbaric act. I CONDEMN you for applauding at such a president.

This is because by applauding at those who killed these innocent children........by applauding at those who murdered these innocent people...............THIS is an EQUALLY barbaric act!

We cannot sit here and ignore the truth. We cannot sit here and ignore the facts. During this debate I made so many notes but I am not given the time to answer and refute everything this president said.

BUT I will say 2 things:

First is: In the 6th Commandement of the Torah it says 'THOU SHALL NOT KILL'............................................. ...............................................The Israeli's are killing!

Secondly: The Israeli's barbaric act is beyond inhumane treatment and FROM NOW ON I refuse to attend such a gathering.

You are not letting me speak. THE MAN sitting beside me has spoken for 25 minutes.............I have spoken less than HALF that time.

To me Doros is finished.

*walks off*

[TheIce]

May God bless you Erdogan. You are an honourable man, unlike the three dogs Hosni Mubarak and King Abdullahs of Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

[Ababeel]

Little bit more on World Economic Forum, attendance to event is by invitation only. Gillani and Hina Rabbani Khar were invited from Pakistan

Following is Public offical invitee list:
http://www.weforum.o...2009/public.pdf

Following is Business Professional invitee list:
http://www.weforum.o...09/business.pdf

Leaders from some Latin America like Chavez, Morales, Brazilian president attended World Social Forum in Brazil held annually in protest to World Economic Forum in Davos.
http://www.forumsoci...x...=2&id_menu=

[meengla]

Blackmail by the notorious Israel lobby. Turks need to CUT the ties with Israel and become or at least downgrade it.


http://www.hurriyet....87694.asp?scr=1

Erdogan's reaction unlikely to have direct impact on Turkey-Israel ties
ANKARA - The impacts of Turkish Prime Minister's reaction to leave the stage during the Gaza session in Davos with Israeli president are unlikely have immediate impact on Turkish-Israeli relations but it is expected to have indirect effects.

Erdogan's reaction unlikely to have direct impact on Turkey-Israel ties

Tayyip Erdogan's reaction sent shockwaves in the Turkish foreign ministry. But it is unlikely to reduce the level of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Israel to the extent of recalling the ambassador in Tel Aviv, diplomatic sources said.



The phone conversation between Erdogan and Israeli President Shimon Peres is another sign that the mutual relations will not be affected by the incident, sources added.



On the other hand, sources warn that the incident might have indirect impacts on the issues that interest Turkey. Here are the major issues that might be effected by the incident, according to diplomatic sources:



1. The Jewish lobby in the U.S. might withdraw its years-long efforts to prevent the U.S. President to use the word "genocide" in his message regarding the 1915 incidents.



2. A possible attempt in the U.S. Congress to recognize the 1915 incidents as "Armenian genocide" will pass easily as the Jewish lobby withdraws its support to Turkey's arguments.



3. Israel could raise its voice in the argument that compares its struggle with Hamas to Turkey's fight against the terror organization PKK. The Jewish lobby might withdraw its support to Turkey in its struggle with PKK in Europe as well as the U.S.

[TheIce]

Allahu Akbar!

Turkish PM gives press conference in Istanbul on his return from Davos

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan gives a press conference at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport where thousands of people gathered to welcome him on his return from Davos early on Friday. :up:

Erdogan had stormed out of an angry debate on the Gaza war with Israel's President Shimon Peres at the Davos forum on Thursday. Thousands of people gathered to welcome him in Istanbul in a show of support.


Here are the highlights of the press conference:

- We had very beneficial meetings in Davos.


- I had the opportunity to express our views on various issues from the global crisis to the global conflicts.


- We had a meeting with IMF Deputy Managing Director Lipsky. The domestic and foreign media showed great interest this meeting.


- Business leaders said they make important investment plans for Turkey and we told them that we are going to do our best to attract these investments.


- Today's session started in a very nice atmosphere. I would like to underline one thing as the Prime Minister of Turkey.


- I attended this session as the Prime Minister of Turkey. I would like to explain my behavior to my people. This is not the first time I attend such meetings.


- We started the session. I wrote down the minutes of the speech duration. Ban Ki-Moon was the person who used this time. Mr. Amr Moussa was warned by the moderator in his 12th or 13th minute and ended his speech at the 15th minute. My speech lasted 15 minutes.


- When it came to Mr. Peres. He spoke for 23 minutes without taking any notice or warning. During his speech he used a very surprising rhetoric and used insulting terms.


- His manner was unacceptable.


- I don't speak the same language with the retired diplomats. I come from politics not diplomacy. I have to protect the dignity of my people.


- I told them that I don't raise my voice but I have to answer some criticism.


- Whoever stands there, my people would have expected the same attitude. And when we asked the floor from the moderator to respond these words, he denied it.


- The issue is not personal. It is about my country's reputation and dignity. I cannot allow anybody to harm my country's dignity and honor.


- Tomorrow I will attend an opening ceremony and will give further details then.


QUESTION: What will be the possible impacts of this incident on Turkish-Israeli relations?

ANSWER: When we get on the plane, I was informed that Mr. Peres called. I decided to hear it and we recorded it. During the speech, he said that he respects us and he is very sorry for this incident. Peres said they told me that they couldn't hear me that's way he raised my voice. We gave him the necessary responses and I will give the further details tomorrow. We do not make decisions or act in anger. Our criticism is not towards the Israeli people or Jews but towards the Israeli administration. The Israeli government misleads our criticism. I would like underline that the sole target of our criticism is the Israeli government.

QUESTION: Will you go to future Davos meetings?

ANSWER: No, I don't think so for now.

http://www.hurriyet....403.asp?gid=244

[PakSniper786]

American Jews slam Turkish PM after he stormed out of Davos

An influential Jewish organization slammed on Friday Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan after he stormed out of the Gaza session in Davos, saying this behavior is "a public disgrace that may well encourage further outrages against Israel and Jews."

American Jews slam Turkish PM after he stormed out of Davos

"Prime Minister Erdogan's tantrum at Davos throws gasoline on the fire of surging anti-Semitism," American Jewish Committee (AJC) Executive Director David A. Harris said in a statement issued on the organization’s website early on Friday.

"Erdogan's unjustified remarks and disrespect of Israel's president are yet another demonstration of how criticism of Israel is becoming increasingly virulent," Harris added according to the statement.

Erdogan had stormed out of an angry debate on the Gaza war with Israel's President Shimon Peres at the Davos forum on Thursday. Turkey harshly criticized Israel over its Gaza operation which left more than 1,300 people killed. The relations between Turkey and Israel, two countries who have close diplomatic and military ties, have been strained, experts say.

Although Erdogan underlined that his reaction did not target the Israeli people or Jews but the moderator of the session, AJC said it cannot stay silent in the face of such rhetoric.

"The relationship between Turkey and Israel is a vital one that has enjoyed the support of American Jews," Harris added.

"But we cannot remain silent in the face of such appalling rhetorical denunciations of Israel, particularly when there has been a worrying surge of anti-Semitism in Turkey in recent weeks."

AJC also was stunned to see Erdogan quote with approval the obscure writings of a Jew turned anti-Semite, a former Israeli citizen named Gilad Atzmon, who has said that "the Jewish state is the ultimate threat to humanity and our notion of humanism."

"When the author of such ravings is quoted by the prime minister of a democratic country, we must seriously ask ourselves where reason ends and hatred begins," Harris said.

In a letter to Erdogan last week, AJC and four other American Jewish organizations expressed profound concern over the current wave of anti-Semitic manifestations in Turkey.

In 2005, Erdogan received an award from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on behalf of Turkish diplomats who saved Jews during the Holocaust. He strongly condemned anti-Semitism as he accepted the award presented by Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.

http://www.hurriyet....508.asp?gid=244




Its funny to see how these Jews act, and how they claim public opinion "Anti-Semitism" when ever something is spoken aganist them, I think people have had enough of this "Anti-Semitism" crap if they keep bring that up, no issue's will be solved. A former Israeli citizen named Gilad Atzmon who talked aganist the state is Israel is now also called "A Jew turned anti-semite", Lol. The Israeli hypocrisy never ceases to amaze me at times.

The thing is that Israeli old-fart was talking loud to get some sympathy from other un-educated fools (most likely all Jews), and now they are saying the PM of Turkey showed disrespect, which I find non-sense since he didn't disrespect him at all and was calm when giving his point of view.

Some one needs to tell these Jews to ###### off before we twist there heads off and sh1t down their throats.

Mr Peres had told the audience Israel was forced on to the offensive against Hamas by thousands of rockets and mortars fired into Israel.

"The tragedy of Gaza is not Israel, it is Hamas," the Israeli leader said.

"Why did they fire rockets? There was no siege against Gaza. Why did they fight us, what did they want? There was never a day of starvation in Gaza."

http://news.bbc.co.u...vos/7859417.stm

The area that I colored red above, I can't believe how he is lying throughout his teeth, when everyone knows that Gaza was under a whole 1 year blockade (and Hamas DIDN'T fire any rockets), rather Isra-hell did a strike in Gaza on Nov. 5th. So when it expired you can't blame Hamas for firing rockets in Isra-hell since they blockaded it and probably could have still kept it under its grap even if the cease-fire was extended.

I can't believe how corrupt the media is to this extent, who can't even report the correct facts without distorting the picture of what goes on behind the scenes.

I hope for misery for Jews and Israeli's across the world and nothing less, lying cursed sons of b1tches.

[Ababeel]

In this whole episode memorable moment was when Amr Moussa sitting far right to Turkish PM, hurriedly got up from his seat to shake hands with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan before he walked of the stage.

I guess thanking him for what Arab world is unable to do.


Arab League Leader Moussa: Erdogan's Action in Davos is Understandable
DAVOS - Amr Moussa, the secretary-general of the Arab League and former Egyptian foreign minister, said Erdogan's action was understandable.

"Mr Erdogan said what he wanted to say and then he left. That's all. He was right," he said, adding that Israel "doesn't listen".

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan walked out of a Davos televised debate on Thursday with Israeli President Shimon Peres, after the moderator refused to allow him to rebut Peres' justification about the Gaza attacks.

Turkey has in recent months brokered indirect talks between Israel and Syria over the Golan Heights region, which Israel captured from Syria in 1967.

The exchange between Erdogan and Peres took place on the second day of the summit, where business and political leaders have been discussing trade, financial regulation and global security.

http://www.turkishwe...rstandable.html

[Ababeel]

Well who is this Jewish-American moderator: David R. Ignatius
http://en.wikipedia..../David_Ignatius

Here is an interesting article writen by him on Pakistan and his views
Pakistan At A Tricky Crossroads by David Ignatius

[pakistanzindabaad]

Alhamdullillah...

http://www.nytimes.c...qEur7bxtwpxZAJg

Leaders of Turkey and Israel Clash at Davos Panel

By KATRIN BENNHOLD
Published: January 29, 2009

DAVOS, Switzerland — Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey walked off the stage after an angry exchange with the Israeli president, Shimon Peres, during a panel discussion on Gaza at the World Economic Forum on Thursday, vowing never to return to the annual gathering.

Mr. Erdogan apparently became incensed after the moderator curtailed his response to remarks by Mr. Peres on the recent Israeli military campaign. The panel was running late, and Mr. Peres was to have had the last word, participants said.

Panel discussions at Davos are restricted to one hour, but Mr. Erdogan insisted on responding to Mr. Peres. Red-faced, and with one hand grasping the arm of the moderator, the columnist David Ignatius of The Washington Post, Mr. Erdogan turned to the Israeli president.

“Mr. Peres, you are older than me,” he said. “Your voice comes out in a very high tone. And the high tone of your voice has to do with a guilty conscience. My voice, however, will not come out in the same tone.”

Resisting efforts by Mr. Ignatius to end the session, Mr. Erdogan continued, saying to Mr. Peres, “When it comes to killing, you know well how to kill.”

Eventually, the prime minister gathered up his papers and departed, saying, “And so Davos is over for me from now on.”

Mr. Peres pointed at the departing Mr. Erdogan and said Turkey would have reacted the same way had rockets been falling on Istanbul, participants said.

Mr. Peres called Mr. Erdogan five minutes later to apologize for any misunderstanding, saying that his words had not been directed at the prime minister personally, the semiofficial Anatolian News Agency reported.

In a news conference immediately after the panel discussion, Mr. Erdogan said he was particularly upset with Mr. Ignatius, who he said had failed to direct a balanced and impartial panel.

By all accounts, the discussion of the Gaza offensive was lively, with Secretary General Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations and Amr Moussa, the Arab League’s secretary general, joining Mr. Peres and Mr. Erdogan. Participants said Mr. Peres was mostly alone in defending Israel’s role in Gaza, and for that reason he was given the final 25 minutes to speak. Earlier, Mr. Erdogan spoke for 12 minutes about the Palestinians’ sufferings.

Although Mr. Erdogan has strongly criticized Israel’s Gaza offensive, his country and Israel have long enjoyed close diplomatic relations. With its strong relations with the militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza, Mr. Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party has played a growing role mediating among Israel, Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinians.

Sebnem Arsu contributed reporting from Istanbul.

[MoThSmOkE]

Great stuff from Edrogan.

And Arab league coming out with his actions being 'understandable' is one of cowards. UNDERSTANDABLE? They should have said it was the RIGHT MOVE AND WE SUPPORT EDROGAN FULLY, if they are such pussies to lead.

[pakistanzindabaad]

Turkey Zindabaad


http://hosted.ap.org...EMPLATE=DEFAULT

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) -- Turkey's prime minister received a hero's welcome home Friday after he reproached Israel's president over the Gaza offensive and stalked off the stage at the World Economic Forum.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was greeted by a jubilant crowd of more than 5,000 supporters, many waving Turkish and Palestinian flags, who flooded Istanbul's airport when his plane touched down about 2 a.m.

Some outside of the airport gate held banners that applauded his Palestinian stance in Davos. "The conqueror of Davos," one banner read.

Hours earlier, the Turkish leader and Israeli President Shimon Peres raised their voices and traded accusations in front of a packed audience at a World Economic Forum panel. Peres was passionate in his defense of Israel's three-week offensive against Hamas militants, launched in reaction to eight years of rocket fire aimed at Israeli territory.

As he spoke, Peres often turned toward Erdogan, who in his remarks had criticized the Israeli blockade of Gaza, saying it was an "open air prison, isolated from the rest of the world" and referred to the Palestinian death toll of about 1,300, more than half of those civilians. Thirteen Israelis also died.

"Why did they fire rockets? There was no siege against Gaza," Peres said, his voice rising in emotion. "Why did they fight us, what did they want? There was never a day of starvation in Gaza."

Erdogan was angry when a panel moderator cut off his remarks in response to an impassioned monologue by Peres defending Israel's offensive against the Hamas rulers of Gaza.

"I find it very sad that people applaud what you said," Erdogan said. "You killed people. And I think that it is very wrong."

Peres' and Erdogan's raised voices were highly unusual at the elite gathering of corporate and world leaders, which is usually marked by polite dialogue.

The angry exchange followed an hour-long debate at the forum attended by world leaders in Davos. Erdogan tried to rebut Peres as the discussion was ending, asking the moderator, Washington Post columnist David Ignatius, to let him speak once more.

"You kill people," Erdogan told the 85-year-old Israeli leader. "I remember the children who died on beaches. I remember two former prime ministers who said they felt very happy when they were able to enter Palestine on tanks."

When Erdogan was asked to stop, he angrily stalked off, leaving fellow panelists U.N. Secretary-General Ban-Ki moon and Arab League Secretary Amr Moussa.

"When it comes to killing, you know it too well," the Turkish leader said.

When the moderator tried to cut short Erdogan's remarks, saying it was past time to adjourn for dinner, he answered in frustration, "Don't interrupt me. You are not allowing me to speak."

He then said: "I will not come to Davos again."

In brief comments at Istanbul's airport, Erdogan said he had been insulted. "My responsibility is to protect the honor of the Turkish nation." He added that Peres called him before he left Davos and expressed his regrets.

In Jerusalem, Peres' office confirmed that the two men spoke on the phone shortly after the incident, a conversation his office described as "positive" but during which Peres did not apologize.

The heated debate with Israel and Turkey at the center was significant because of the key role Turkey has played as a moderator between Israel and Syria.

During the debate, Erdogan appeared to express a sense of disappointment when he recounted how he had met with the Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert days before the offensive, and believed they were close to reaching terms for a face-to-face meeting with Syrian leaders.

Obama's new Mideast envoy, George Mitchell, will be in Turkey for talks Sunday.

Ultimately, Erdogan stressed he left not because of a dispute with Peres but because he was not given time to respond to the Israeli leader's remarks. Erdogan also complained that Peres had 25 minutes while he was only given 12 minutes.

"I did not target at all in any way the Israeli people, President Peres, or the Jewish people," Erdogan told a news conference afterward.

"I am a prime minister, a leader who has specifically expressly stated that anti-Semitism is a crime against humanity," he said.

Moussa, a former Egyptian foreign minister, said Erdogan's action was understandable.

"Mr. Erdogan said what he wanted to say and then he left. That's all. He was right." Of Israel, he said, "They don't listen."

Erdogan brushed past reporters outside the hall. His wife appeared upset. "All Peres said was a lie. It was unacceptable," she said, eyes glistening.

"I have know Shimon Peres for many years and I also know Erdogan. I have never seen Shimon Peres so passionate as he was today. I think he felt Israel was being attacked by so many in the international community. He felt isolated," said former Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik.

"I was very sad that Erdogan left. This was an expression of how difficult this situation is."

---

http://www.weforum.org

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[pakistanzindabaad]

http://www.washingto...wprss=rss_world

Turkish Premier, Israeli President Clash at Davos

By John Daniszewski and Matt Moore
Associated Press
Friday, January 30, 2009; Page A13

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 29 -- Turkey's prime minister stalked off the stage at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland red-faced Thursday after reproaching Israel's president over the Gaza war by saying "You kill people."

The packed audience, which included President Obama's close adviser Valerie Jarrett, appeared stunned as Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Israeli President Shimon Peres raised their voices and traded accusations.

Peres was passionate in his defense of Israel's 22-day offensive against Hamas, the Islamist movement that controls the Gaza Strip, launched in reaction to years of rocket fire aimed at Israeli territory. As he spoke, Peres often turned toward Erdogan, who in his remarks had criticized the Israeli blockade of Gaza, saying it was an "open-air prison, isolated from the rest of the world" and referred to the Palestinian death toll of about 1,300, more than half of them civilians, according to health officials. Thirteen Israelis died.

"Why did they fire rockets? There was no siege against Gaza," Peres said, his voice rising with emotion. "Why did they fight us, what did they want? There was never a day of starvation in Gaza."

The heated debate between Israel and Turkey was significant because of the key role Turkey has played as a moderator between Israel and Syria. Erdogan appeared to express a sense of disappointment when he recounted how he had met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert just days before the offensive and believed they were close to reaching terms for a face-to-face meeting with Syrian leaders.

Obama's new Middle East envoy, former senator George J. Mitchell, is scheduled to be in Turkey for talks Sunday.

Erdogan was angry when a panel moderator cut off his remarks in response to an impassioned monologue by Peres defending Israel's offensive against Hamas.

"I find it very sad that people applaud what you said," Erdogan said. "You killed people. And I think that it is very wrong."

The angry exchange followed an hour-long debate at the annual meeting of economic and political elites in Davos. Erdogan tried to rebut Peres as the discussion was ending, asking the moderator, Washington Post columnist David Ignatius, to let him speak once more.

"Only a minute," Ignatius replied.

"Mr. Peres, you are older than me. Your voice is too loud," Erdogan told Peres, saying his emotion belied a guilty conscience.

"You kill people," Erdogan told the 85-year-old Israeli leader. "I remember the children who died on beaches. I remember two former prime ministers who said they felt very happy when they were able to enter Palestine on tanks."

When Erdogan was asked to stop, he angrily stalked off.

Erdogan stressed that he left because he was not given time to respond to the Israeli leader's remarks. "I did not target at all, in any way, the Israeli people, President Peres or the Jewish people," Erdogan said at a news conference afterward.

"I am a prime minister, a leader who has specifically, expressly stated that anti-Semitism is a crime against humanity," he said.

[pakistanzindabaad]

http://edition.cnn.c...ml?eref=edition

Turkish PM slams Israel over Gaza campaign

# Story Highlights
# Turkish Prime Minister angered during debate on Gaza at World Economic Forum
# Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls Israel's Gaza campaign "barbaric"
# French foreign minister says no more French troops for Afghanistan
# Former U.S. President Clinton stresses cooperation during global financial crisis

DAVOS, Switzerland (CNN) -- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan stormed off stage at the World Economic Forum on Thursday during an angry discussion with Israeli President Shimon Peres over the crisis in Gaza.

Erdogan was visibly angered after Peres had said that Israel was committed to peace and blamed Hamas for the situation in Gaza, where Israel staged a three-week military operation earlier this month.

He then started to respond but was cut off by the moderator who said the debate had run overtime.

Earlier in the debate, Erdogan had described the military campaign in Gaza as "barbaric" and accused Israel of using excessive force. Peres said Hamas was responsible for the "tragedy," accusing the Islamist militants of creating a "dangerous dictatorship."

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner were among the other leaders making keynote appearances at the forum.

Earlier, U.N. chief Ban announced details of a $613 million humanitarian aid appeal for the people of Gaza following this month's Israeli military offensive.

Afghanistan's Defense Minister Mohammad Rahim Wardak called on U.S. President Obama to deliver on his pledge to commit more troops to the fight against Taliban and al Qaeda militants, but said his country needed more investment to prosper as well.

But Kouchner said France, which currently commits 2,600 troops to the NATO-led operation, would not be increasing the size of its deployment.

"We have just increased the number of our soldiers," he said. "There is no prospect of sending more troops for the time being, and it has not been asked."

Amid the gloom of a business summit at a time of financial crisis, former U.S. President Bill Clinton managed to deliver an upbeat message, telling delegates, "This is still a good time to be alive."

Clinton admitted that the deepening impact of the financial meltdown, which is dominating the agenda at this year's meeting in Davos, had left many people frightened -- but said the global scale of the crisis proved that the world's nations could no longer afford to turn their backs on one another.

"This financial crisis proves, as nothing else should or could, the fundamental fact that global interdependence is more important than anything else in the world today," Clinton said. "We cannot escape each other. Divorce is not an option."

Clinton, the husband of current U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, urged the current generation of international statesmen to rise to the leadership challenges posed by the financial collapse and climate change.

"This is not a time for denial or delay. Do something. Give people confidence by showing confidence," said Clinton, who served in the White House from 1993 to 2001. "Don't give up. Don't bet against yourself. Don't bet against your country. This is still a good time to be alive."

In a year when celebrities have been notable by their absence here, the appearance of the still-charismatic Clinton offered some light relief as delegates also turned their attention to the situation in the Middle East and the war in Afghanistan

[Alkhalid-19]

Turkish PM storms off in Gaza row

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stormed off the stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos after an argument with Israel's president.

Mr Erdogan clashed with Shimon Peres in a discussion on the recent fighting in the Gaza Strip, telling him: "You are killing people."

Mr Peres said Mr Erdogan would have done the same had rockets hit Istanbul.

Mr Erdogan accused the moderator of not allowing him to speak and said he did not think he would return to Davos.

He was cut off as he attempted to reply to a passionate defence of Israel's actions made by Mr Peres.

Turkey is one of the few Muslim countries to have dealings with Israel, but relations have been under strain since the Islamist-rooted AK Party was elected to power in 2002.

"I do not think I will be coming back to Davos after this because you do not let me speak," Mr Erdogan shouted before marching off the stage in front of Mr Peres, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and an elite audience of ministers and international officials.

He criticised the moderator for cutting him short on the grounds that the debate had gone over time.

Mr Peres had told the audience Israel was forced on to the offensive against Hamas by thousands of rockets and mortars fired into Israel.

"The tragedy of Gaza is not Israel, it is Hamas," the Israeli leader said. "They created a dictatorship. A very dangerous one."

More than 1,300 Palestinians and 14 Israelis were killed during the three-week conflict which began on 27 December.

http://news.bbc.co.u...vos/7859417.stm

He is great Leader and should join his hand with Achmed from Iran, they have the same interest in some case this are first steps for a good future politics in middle east, now it is time for Pakistan leaders .....

[platinum786]

excellent, It's wonderful to see that Turkey is raising it's voice and rightfully taking it's place as a regional leader.

[platinum786]

It is a proud day to be Turkish today.

[Skull-Buster]

MashAllah!

May Allah reward him for the courage he displayed. He has more courage than any other Muslim leader out there. I hope Muslims start to wake up and realize that our salvation lies in unity.

[Hellraiser006]

MashAllah!

He has more courage than any other Muslim leader out there.

I think the Iranian leadership should take that first prize. Turkey must stop begging for European membership. They need to realise that there is an entire world of Muslims looking for leadership. Turkey should stand up and take the helm. I know we in Pakistan will definitely support that. Bring back the Ottomans!

[Eagle2000]

Erdogan is the hope of light for the muslim Ummah. I just hope that the period of Osman Empire of Turkey will come back and save the muslims from the current situation of hopelessness.