Turkish PM Erdogan accuses US of 'supporting state terrorism'

Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan has slamed US for supporting 'state terrorism of Israel against Turkey.

During a visit to Pakistan this week Mr Erdogan said that until Israel apologized for its May attack on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in which nine Turkish citizens were killed, it would remain isolated in the Middle East, the Pakistan Tribune reported on Friday.

“Israel must apologize to Turkey and pay compensation," Erdogan told the Pakistan Tribune in Islamabad, adding that "If it does not, it will be doomed to remain isolated in the Middle East.”

The Turkish premier also criticized the United States for continuing to support Israel after the "uncivilized" attack.

“Nine Turkish martyrs on the ship received 21 bullets from Israeli soldiers in their bodies. Washington is not ready to condemn the state terrorism of Israel against Turkey which means that the US is supporting an international terrorist who killed our citizens in international waters," Erdogan said.

According to the report the Turkish prime minister also stressed the importance of close ties between Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkey, saying that the countries have a common security and financial future.

Earlier this month the US and Israeli expressed concern regarding Turkey's growing military ties with Iran and China, especially following a joint Turkish-Chinese air-force exercise.

Until two years ago Israel was Turkey's main partner for air combat training.

In the wake of Operation Cast Lead and the subsequent deterioration of bilateral relations Turkey last year revoked Israel's participation in the maneuvers. The United States decided not to take part in the exercise this year because of that decision. A number of other NATO members followed suit.