Another Road Map

He added that other willing countries could participate in this cooperation. He said the Arab-Israeli conflict had been continuing for 55 years but that if political problems could be set aside, such a versatile cooperation could be accomplished for the benefit of the entire region. These words reminded me of a speech made years ago by then Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Perez during a visit to Turkey. Perez also suggested such a regional development system in the Middle East, but unfortunately this proposal was never carried through.

Katsav mentioned this idea as part of the new peace process known as the ‘road map.’ He said that peace would create new opportunities not only for Israel and Palestine, but also for all the countries of the Middle East. Actually Turkey could be the initiator of this project because we have friendly relations with all the parties and also have an enormous economic potential, including our water. In addition, Turkish leaders, including President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, have emphasized repeatedly that Turkish diplomacy was ready to support the efforts to see the road map through and could even host negotiations.

Nearly 100 Israeli businessmen accompanied Katsav during his visit to Turkey, which shows the great importance attached to the economic aspect of bilateral relations. Two concrete developments were announced at the end of Katsav’s contacts in Ankara. One of them was on the signing of an agreement concerning exports of Turkish water from the Manavgat River, near Antalya, to Israel at month’s-end, and the other concerns Israel’s $600 investment in the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) slated for this fall. As DEIK Board of Directors head Rifat Hisarciklioglu said, such economic leaps could accelerate relations. Of course spreading this cooperation with the participation of other countries would be very beneficial. Thus, the peace which everybody hopes for will come after it or alongside it.”