Gul to open new year with visit to Israel

Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul is scheduled to travel to both Israel and Palestine on January 4 and 5, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.
Last week, Ankara offered its services as a mediator in the Middle East Peace Process, saying that its good relations with all parties involved could help promote an end to the instability in the region.
“The visit is envisaged to include talks on bilateral relations with Israel and Palestine as well as the Middle East peace process, other regional issues and international developments,” the statement said.