TBMM Committee Goes to Palestine ‘For Peace’

Huseyin Tanriverdi arranged a press briefing in the Parliament to explain next week’s meeting. He said that Turkey should play an active role in the Israel-Palestine peace process. Tanriverdi indicated that his group would meet with Yaser Arafat, Palestine National Administration President Ahmet Kurey and Palestinian Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Nebil Saat. Tanriverdi mentioned that they would also visit refugee camps in Gaza and Ramallah.

Tanriverdi reminded those present that Turkey was among the first countries to recognize Palestine when it declared its independence on November 15, 1988. He also called to mind that Turkey established the Turkey-Palestine Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group during the 22nd legislative period of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM). Tanriverdi said that next week’s visit would mark the first time in the history of TBMM that a friendship group would pay an official visit to Palestine.

"The world public should play a deep and determining role in the peace process of Israel and Palestine, which they have been unable to resolve for themselves so far. Turkey, with its historic and cultural mission and being a moderating force in the region, should play an important