WASHINGTON (AA) - March 24, 2013 - US Secretary of State John F. Kerry said agreement between Israel and Turkey to normalize their relations which saw a historic low after a deadly Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound aid convoy in May 2010 that killed nine Turks.
"The reconciliation is a very important development that will help advance the cause of peace and stability in the region. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Prime Minister Erdogan deserve great credit for showing the leadership necessary to make this possible," Kerry said in press release on Saturday.
"As I discussed with Prime Minister Netanyahu this evening, this will help Israel meet the many challenges it faces in the region. We look forward to an expeditious implementation of the agreement and the full normalization of relations so Israel and Turkey can work together to advance their common interests," he said.
A statement on Friday from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the "tragic outcome" of the raid on the aid flotilla "was not intended by Israel and that Israel regretted the loss of human life and injury."
"In light of Israel's investigation into the incident which pointed to a number of operational mistakes, the Prime Minister expressed Israel's apology to the Turkish people for any mistakes that might have led to the loss of life or injury and agreed to conclude an agreement on compensation/non-liability," Netanyahu's press office said.
