New York

22 March 2013

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the restoration of relations between Israel and Turkey

The Secretary-General welcomes that the Governments of Israel and Turkey have agreed to restore normal relations between them, and appreciates the role of US President Obama in reaching this positive outcome. Assisting Israel and Turkey in restoring their good relations had been a core objective of the Secretary-General’s efforts in the aftermath of the May 2010 flotilla incident. Today’s announcement is an important and hopeful signal for the stability of the region.