Turkish government officials snub Israeli Independence Day reception

16 May 2011, Monday

The Israeli Embassy celebrated the 63rd anniversary of the Jewish state's independence on Monday in Ankara, but not a single Turkish government official showed up for the event.

Former Foreign Trade Minister Kürşad Tüzmen, former Energy and Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Güler, Higher Education Board (YÖK) President Yusuf Ziya Özcan, former Judges and Prosecutors Association (YARSAV) President Ömer Faruk Eminağaoğlu and US Ambassador to Turkey Francis J. Ricciardone participated in the reception, hosted by Israeli Ambassador to Turkey Gaby Levy on Monday.

Asked by reporters about participation from the Turkish government, Levy said the embassy had extended invitations to government officials but that it is up to them to accept or decline.

The Israeli diplomat said this is a reflection of the relations between the two countries. “But there is a good saying in Turkish: God willing it will be better,” Levy said.

Source: Today's Zaman.
Link: http://www.todayszaman.com/news-244176-turkish-government-officials-snub-israeli-independence-day-reception.html.