Special to WorldTribune.com

JERUSALEM — Israel has reported an agreement by Turkey to restore
diplomatic relations.

The government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Israel
reached a draft accord with Turkey to mend diplomatic ties. In a statement,
the prime minister’s officer cited a breakthrough during negotiations with a
visiting Turkish delegation on May 6.

“The two sides expect to come to an agreement in the near future,”
Netanyahu’s office said.

Officials said the Israeli and Turkish delegations reached agreement on
a range of issues, including compensation for the killing of nine Turks in
2010. Under U.S. pressure, Israel apologized for the deaths, which took
place during an Israel Navy interception of a Turkish-flagged flotilla
headed for the Gaza Strip.

“The meeting was conducted in a good and positive manner,” the statement
said.

The Israeli delegation was headed by National Security Adviser Yaakov
Amidror and Netanyahu aide Joseph Ciechanover. Ankara was represented
by Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu, the
highest-ranking official to visit Israel since 2010.

“The delegations reached an agreed draft, but further clarifications are
required on certain subjects,” the statement said.

Turkey has not responded to the Israeli statement. In March 2013,
Netanyahu’s office announced the restoration of diplomatic ties with Turkey,
a statement that was withdrawn hours later.

“If a result from the meeting was not obtained, a third meeting could be
on the agenda,” Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said in Ankara.

  Bulent Arinc, Feridun Sinirlioglu, Israel expect diplomatic agreement ‘in the near future’, Joseph Ciechanover, Netanyahu: Turkey, Yaakov Amidror