Foreign Ministry condemns Israeli FM's criticism of Erdogan

The Foreign Ministry yesterday condemned Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman's comparison of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Speaking to reporters, Lieberman suggested that Erdogan's attitudes are similar to those of Gaddafi and Chavez. Lieberman's remarks apparently came in response to Erdogan's recent criticism of Israel at an opening ceremony for TRT al-Turkiye, the state-run Turkish Radio and Television Corporation's (TRT) new Arabic-language channel, which Erdogan has hailed as a landmark in bringing the Turkish and Arab peoples together. During the ceremony, Erdogan said, "As Gaza burns and dark clouds gather over Jerusalem, we can't stay silent." Lieberman then characterized Erdogan as "slowly turning into Gaddafi or Chavez." Foreign Ministry spokesman Burak Ozugergin yesterday said that Lieberman's statements stepped over the line and were groundless. He added that Turkey's Israeli policy is guided by the principle of supporting regional peace and stability. The ministry urged Israel to cease its "senseless" and "unacceptable" approach and act reasonably. Erdogan, now visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina, declined to comment on Lieberman's statement and denied any need to personally do so.