In an interview with Euronews on Dec. 3, Gul reaffirmed Turkey's condition for participation in the NATO missile defense shield, Middle East Newsline reported. Ankara has demanded that the Western alliance not deem Turkey's neighbors, Iran and Syria, as threats.

Ankara approved the NATO missile defense plan at the alliance's summit in Lisbon, Portugal in late November. Officials said NATO's network would also support Turkey's national missile defense program.

Since 2009, Ankara has banned Israeli participation in Turkey's Anatolian Eagle air combat exercise, designed for NATO air forces. As a result, several Western militaries, including the United States, have reduced attendance.

In the interview, Gul said Israel was no longer a friend or ally of Turkey. The president said Ankara still demanded an apology and compensation for the eight Turks killed aboard the Mavi Marmara ship, destined for the Gaza Strip and intercepted by the Israel Navy in April.

"The Mavi Marmara has changed a lot of things," Gul said. "Israel is yet to compensate for this situation. Accordingly, we cannot forget it."

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