US' Mitchell: "Turkey has a unique role to play in achieving lasting peace in the mideast"

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday received US special Middle East envoy George Mitchell in Ankara to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian peace process as well as other regional issues. Foreign Minister Ali Babacan was also in attendance. During the meeting, Erdogan reportedly told Mitchell that excluding Hamas from efforts to find lasting peace in the Middle East was not realistic. "After they (Hamas) won the (2006) elections, Turkey has constantly encouraged Hamas leaders to make contributions to the peace process, and positive changes have been observed upon this encouragement," Erdogan reportedly told Mitchell. "I earlier urged Hamas that it should recognize the 1993 Oslo Accords. Continuity in state policies is important. We are always encouraging them to take this continuity into consideration." He also stressed the importance of active US involvement in the Middle East peace process. Expressing Turkey's appreciation for the Obama administration's efforts for lasting peace in the region, Erdogan also said Turkey expects more international and US efforts to open Gaza border crossings to humanitarian aid for thousands of Palestinians living in tents in the narrow strip under Israeli blockade. Erdogan and Mitchell also discussed Turkish-brokered indirect Syrian-Israeli peace talks, with Mitchell reportedly saying the US hopes these talks will continue. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mitchell said that Turkey would play a unique role in President Barack Obama's efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East. "As an important democratic nation with strong relations with Israel, Turkey has a unique role to play and can have a significant influence on our efforts to promote comprehensive peace in the region," Mitchell said. "It is important for us now to look forward and to work together to build a secure, prosperous future for all of the people of this region." In related news, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will likely visit Turkey as part of her tour of the region scheduled for next month.