A hint that it is time for the conclusion of peace between Israel and the Arab countries was made in a statement here today by Ismet Inonu, Turkey’s foremost “elder statesman.” Mr. Inonu, who is 76, is ex-President of Turkey and leader of the Republican People’s Party, the largest political organization in the country.
In an interview given to a visiting journalist from Cairo, Mr. Inonu, who praised the United Arab Republic’s efforts toward economic and social development, stated: “The next step after a struggle for independence should be to establish gradually friendly relations with the countries considered enemies during the struggle.” His remark was interpreted as a call for peace talks between the UAR and Israel.
Developing Turkish friendship with Israel was highlighted today in a statement issued by five high-ranking Turkish military airmen who returned here after a visit to Israel, where they inspected Israel’s aviation facilities. The five officers, who said they were “highly impressed” with Israeli aviation progress, are members of the Turkish Air Patrol Association. They visited Israel after a group representing Israel’s Gadna Avir, a paramilitary air patrol, visited this country. This is the first time that Israeli and Turkish military delegations have exchanged visits.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.