Obama Expresses Deep Condolences to Turkish PM Erdogan

Published today (updated) 02/06/2010 13:35 Bethlehem - Ma'an -

US President Barack Obama spoke Tuesday with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayeb Erdogan to express his "deep condolences" for the loss of life and injuries resulting from the Israeli terrorist attack on a Turkish-flagged ship bound for Gaza.

The White House stated that the US President told Erdogan that the United States was working in close consultation with Israel to help achieve the release of the passengers, including those deceased and wounded, and the ships themselves.

He also affirmed the United States position in support of a "credible, impartial, and transparent investigation of the facts surrounding this tragedy," the White House statement said.

Obama "affirmed the importance of finding better ways to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza without undermining Israel’s security," and "underscored the importance of a comprehensive peace agreement which establishes an independent, contiguous, and viable Palestinian state as the way to resolve the overall situation and the United States’ continuing commitment to achieving that goal by working closely with Turkey, Israel, and others with a stake in a more stable and secure Middle East."

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