To normalize Turkey - Israel relations

To normalize Turkey - Israel relations

Turkey and Israel are "close to the final frame 'for an agreement to normalize their relations, and noted progress in adopting the Turkish demands, said an official of the Turkish government.

On Thursday, an Israeli official stated that the two countries have found some understanding points to normalize their relations, which deteriorated after the business of the Israeli security forces on the flotilla that was heading to Gaza in 2010, during which killed 10 Turkish nationals.

"We are close to the final frame," she told reporters in Ankara, the Turkish official said, noting that it has achieved "concrete and positive progress." He stressed, however, that at present has not signed any final agreement.

According to the source, the progress concerning two requests of Turkey to lift the blockade of the Gaza Strip and compensating victims of the operation against the flotilla.

The Israeli official said that the two countries have agreed on the issue of compensation for victims as well as for the return of their ambassadors to their posts and launching negotiations to export Israeli gas to Turkey.

All prosecutions initiated by the Turkey against Israel will be terminated and Turkey will refuse entry into its territory of Salah al-Rat, a senior member of Hamas.

The Turkish official, however, did not confirm this latest information. "We did not discuss specific names. If Israel raised such a request, we will discuss it, "he said.