Attention was drawn to the extreme security measures in Israel on the first day of the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit as the guest of the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Contrary to his former visits, the program was not distributed to members of the media. Last-minute changes took place during the visit and two official cars were provided for the Prime Minister Erdogan as part of the increased security measures.
Members of the media participated in the joint press conference held by Sharon and Erdogan were very closely monitored. Cellular phones and right palms were scanned by a magnetic tool and members of the media had to wear red bracelets on their right wrists. The press conference was held in the residential gardens instead in the offices. Israeli journalists showed great interest in the meeting. Only two journalists were allowed to ask questions.
During his negotiations with Sharon and the Israeli President Moshe Katsav, Erdogan sent the message of the possibility of Turkey actively contributing to the peace process if a role was offered. Erdogan said, "We were created to be mediators." Sharon also said in praising Erdogan's words: "I heard very nice and surprising statements from Erdogan. I am very much influenced by him. This will reflect positively on the region. We are considering about benefiting from Erdogan in order to empower the peace process." Erdogan reminded that they also perceive anti-Semitism as a crime against humanity.
The first concrete outcome was the decision to create a red telephone line. The offer to create a direct telephone link between the two countries came from Sharon who reminded that he had direct lines to his desk with the leaders from the US; Britain, and the European Union (EU) Term President and Russia. Turkey has also been added to that list.
Erdogan invited Sharon to Turkey. He said, "We would like to see you in Turkey in the very near future." Turkey has not formerly responded to the Israeli Minister's demand to visit Turkey. Erdogan's relaxed attitude and humorous answers drew attention during the press conference.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife Emine Erdogan visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum on the first day of their visit. Erdogan did not cause any surprises and did not wear the traditional Jewish skullcap, kippa, which was a topic causing a great deal of interest. Turkish ministers also accompanied Erdogan on the tour. The Minister of Industry and Trade Ali Coskun wearing his hat backwards also drew attention. It was heard that some Israeli authorities negatively interpreted the fact that Erdogan and accompanying ministers' did not wear the kippa during the museum visit stating: "We fulfill the requirements of entering mosques. We had expected the same from Erdogan." The Turkish party replied by saying that there is a different between a mosque and a museum. Ablution or the wearing of religious symbols such as a prayer caps are not required when visiting a mosque …
The Turkish National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul will not return Turkey with the delegation, but will stay for two more days. He will continue his negotiations on the military areas during this period. There are military cooperation agreements between Israel and Turkey and Israel had the modernized Phantoms and the new technologic partnership agreement for the new modernization is on the agenda.
Energy Minister Hilmi Guler meeting with the Israeli authorities in Jerusalem suggested transporting natural gas and water together. Guler finds the suggestion "operable".
