YNet News, Israel
Oct 30 2010

Turkish document cites Israel as major threat

Turkey’s national security council removes Iran, Syria from list of
threats to state, adds Israel, local media reported. Document says
Israeli actions may prompt Middle East arms race

Ynet Latest Update: 10.30.10, 17:05 / Israel News

The Turkish national security council recently designated Israel as a
“major threat” in a document known as the “red book,” which lists
threats to Turkey, local media reported.

The council decided to remove Syria, Bulgaria, Georgia and Armenia
from the list of threats. Greece, however, is still considered a
threat, whereas Iran was also removed from the list.

This is the first time Turkey has designated Israeli activity in the
Middle East as a threat.

The document, which will remain in effect for the next five years,
noted that Israeli actions may cause various states in the region to
embark on an arms race. The document further stated that the Middle
East must be free of nuclear weapons.

Apart from Israel, Turkey added other threats to its list, including
online terror and global warming.

Relations between Jerusalem and Ankara deteriorated significantly
since the raid on Gaza-bound flotilla last May which killed nine
people. Turkey has insisted that Israel apologize, a demand dismissed
by the Jewish state.

Last week Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would
not participate in an Athens climate conference if Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu attends. He also noted that Israel is close to
losing Turkey “as a good friend in the Middle East.”

From: A. Papazian