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Turkey recognized but hesitates on independence

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Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, right, and Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit hug each other before a meeting in Ankara on Saturday, August 5, 2000. Arafat is expected to ask Turkish President Sezer and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit for Turkey's support for the declaration of an Independent Palestinian state in Sep. 13, 2000 following the collapse of Middle East peace talks at the Camp David last month. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

August 6, 2000 

ANKARA (AP) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit on Saturday pledged Turkish support for a "just" settlement in the Middle East peace talks, but fell short of giving Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat full backing for plans to declare an independent state.

Arafat's Cabinet on Friday insisted that a declaration of Palestinian independence be made by Sept. 13, even though prospects of reaching a peace deal before then remain dim.

Turkey already recognizes Palestinian independence and allows the Palestinians to maintain an embassy in the capital, Ankara. But Turkey is concerned that Arafat's declaration of Palestinian statehood could spark renewed conflict in the Middle East.

"We recognized Palestine as an independent state back in 1988 - it is not a problem for us," Ecevit said after a meeting from which both leaders emerged holding hands. The leader did not say whether he supported the declaration being made next month.

Turkey is a strong ally of the United States, which is brokering peace and has close economic and military ties with Israel. Turkey was to ask Arafat to pursue peace negotiations with Israel behind closed doors.

Arafat asked Ecevit to "carry on with all Turkish effort to protect and push forward the peace process."

Arafat has visited France, several Arab nations and South Africa as part of his mission to seek support after two weeks of talks at Camp David - the U.S. presidential retreat - broke down on July 25 because of disagreement over the status of Jerusalem.

The Palestinians demand sovereignty over traditionally Arab east Jerusalem, which Israel captured from Jordan in the 1967 Mideast war. Israel has long insisted that Jerusalem remain united under Israeli sovereignty.

Ecevit said the Palestinian leader believed "no constructive solutions" had been proposed at Camp David over the issue of Jerusalem.