(Reuters) - Turkey assured the Damascus government on Sunday it would not let
Israel use its airspace to strike Syria after an Israeli raid heightened tension
in the Middle East.
Diplomats said at least four Israeli planes flew in attack formation along the
Syrian-Turkish border before striking deep into Syria on Sept 6. Syria and
Israel have given little information on the target.
" Turkey will not let Turkish territory or airspace be used in any activity that
could harm the security or safety of Syria," Turkish Foreign Minister Ali
Babacan said after meeting Syrian President Bashar al- Assad in Damascus.
Babacan said he chose Syria as his first destination abroad since being named
foreign minister in August to underline the importance of maintaining strong
Turkish-Syrian ties. He is due to visit Israel next.
The minister, a member of the Islamist-rooted AK party, repeated Turkey's
assertions that Ankara had no prior knowledge of the Israeli raid, which Assad
said had targeted an unused building linked to the Syrian military.
"I hope that during my visit to Israel to be given answers and clarifications
about this issue," Babacan said. "The region is at a very dangerous and
sensitive stage. We always urge all parties to reach solutions through dialogue
and peaceful means."
Turkey and Syria have built closer security and economic ties in recent years
despite persisting water disputes and past Syrian support for Kurdish rebels.
