Israeli FM says Syrian rebels rejected their help; willing to hold talks with Turkey

Jerusalem, July 24 (Xinhua-ANI): Syrian rebels fighting against Bashar al-Assad's leadership have rejected an Israeli offer of help, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said in an interview with Turkish journalists published Tuesday.

"We offered them humanitarian assistance but they rejected it... We can only suggest our help but not impose it," he told the Turkish daily Hurriyet.

Lieberman and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Monday with a delegation of eight senior Turkish print journalists, in a bid to improve Israel's image in Turkey's public opinion.

Israeli-Turkish ties were severely damaged following the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, in which Turkish protesters were killed by Israeli soldiers.

In May 31, 2010, a six-fleet flotilla, including the lead Mavi Marmara ferry, tried to break the Israeli maritime blockade over the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.

Lightly armed Israeli commandos battled the armed protesters for control of the vessel, killing nine in the melee. Israeli officials have repeatedly turned down Turkish demands for an apology since the event.

Lieberman said he is ready to work to resolve disputes with Ankara, but reiterated Israel's refusal to apologize over the incident.

"The Mavi Marmara mission was a clear provocation. We had the right to protect the lives of our soldiers and there is no reason for us to apologize," he said.

"We are ready to discuss problems in high-level or low-level open meetings, but we're not ready to discuss in what way we will protect our citizens," he added.

Last week, U.S. Secretary Hillary Clinton urged Netanyahu to amend ties with Turkey, citing Ankara's possible role in any potential coalition against Iran and Syria.

Last June, an Istanbul court announced it would hold trials in absentia for four Israeli commanders who took part in the Mavi Marmara incident. (Xinhua-ANI)