Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan described the discovery of fuel tanks dropped by Israeli aircraft in Turkish fields near the Syrian border, as “unacceptable for Turkey” and said that an urgent explanation was demanded from Israel. Babacan added that all countries in the region must show respect to other countries’ sovereignty and avoid such acts that lead to tensions.

The remarks came at a joint press conference with Syrian FM Walid Al Moallem who came to Turkey for a one day surprise visit. Moallem branded the alleged violation of its airspace by Israeli planes as an “intentional and hostile aggression” and stated that Turkey had protested Israel.

Moallem also met with Turkish President Abdullah Gul, and later with PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan who commended Syria for the restraint that it exhibited following the incident.

Turkish media reported that the Turkish military had ignored the allegations and the website of the General Staff has no mention of the incident.

Source: Zaman, Turkey, September 11, 2007