Turkey as peacemaker

Shimon Peres, the Israeli president, addressed the Turkish parliament in Ankara [AFP]

Following landmark addresses to the Turkish parliament by Shimon Peres, the Israeli president, and Mahmoud Abbas, his Palestinian counterpart, attention is focused on the possible Turkish role in the Middle East peace process.

 

Turkey is expected to participate in the upcoming peace conference in Annapolis. It is putting the final touches to a framework agreement to build an industrial zone in the West Bank.

 

Turkey is also one of Israel’s most important strategic allies since they signed a defence agreement in 1996. Israel has been heavily involved in renovating Turkey’s military.

 

Trade between the two is also booming – last year Turkey was Israel’s biggest trading partner.

 

We ask can Turkey break the deadlock in the Arab-Israeli conflict, and what is in it for Ankara?

 

Inside Story investigates.