Israel has offered Turkey to cooperate

After apologizing for the fatal raid on the Mavi Marmara aid flotilla and agreed to compensating the victims' families, Israel is now extending the 1.5 trillion cubic meter natural gas reserve in the exclusive economic zone in the Eastern Mediterranean as a peace offering. The Energy representative of Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Michael Lotem, stated yesterday in Ankara that the transport of Israeli gas through Turkey would be a profitable investment for both countries. He said, "I think the best choice is Turkey. We should use energy as a vehicle to solve regional problems. The region needs this." According to Turkish press Lotem, who participated in the Turkey International Gas and Oil Conference, indicated that shipments of gas to Israel from the northern region of Tamar had started 12 days ago, and said "The most cost-effective plan regarding the shipment of Israel's gas in the Mediterranean Sea to Europe would be an Israel-Turkey pipeline. This option will be profitable for both Israel and Turkey."