No Hostility Against Jewish Citizens In Turkey, Acting Premier

ANKARA - Acting Prime Minister Bulent Arinc of Turkey said on Monday that there was no hostility against Jewish citizens living in Turkey.

Arinc held a press conference in Ankara and said that a threat against Jewish citizens never took place in Turkey and 70 million Turkish people did not have hostility against Jewish citizens.

"I believe that the people who gathered in front of embassy (of Israel) in Ankara and Istanbul aimed to express their deep sorrow (over Israel's attack on ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza). They will not make any harm," he said.

Arinc said, "all we know that Israel has used disproportionate force in Palestine and Gaza and other regions from time to time. Innocent people, women, children and families suffered. Turkish people were always beside innocent people."

Replying to a question, Arinc said three joint exercises earlier planned to be performed with Israel were cancelled.