Turkish sources deny special initiative on Temple Mount

There is not any special initiative of Ankara on the issue," Turkish diplomatic sources were quoted as saying by Anatolia news agency on Friday.

Sources added, "Turkey always attracts attention of U.S. officials on the issue. Turkey knows the sensitivity of the issue and conveys its experiences to U.S. officials on every occasion."

Haaretz claimed that Turkey said the opening of Temple Mount for non-Muslims may negatively effect a Turkish response to a U.S. request on contributing to a peacekeeping mission in Iraq.

Reportedly the mesage was conveyed to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara.

Haaretz quoted a Turkish official as saying that a religious contention may cause anti-American protests in Turkey that may pave the way to the Turkish Parliament’s opposition to help the United States in Iraq.

Haaretz also reported Turkish sources as saying there is no change in Turkey’s policy regarding Israel.