The recent Israeli-Turkish conflict has not affected the Armenian and other communities in Turkey, Chief Editor of the Istanbul-based “Zhamanak” daily Ara Gochunyan told NEWS.am. He pointed out that the Turkish Government is doing its best to protect the national minorities from such problems.

As regards the Turkish-Israeli conflict, Gochunyan said that it is being widely discussed in Turkey – by officials, experts and the public. The Turkish Government does not rule out political and economic sanctions against Israel. Turkish high-ranking officials held meetings with representatives of international agencies, as well as with the U.S. President and Secretary of State. Turkey, which is trying to enhance its role in the Middle East and contribute to the settlement of Israeli-Palestinian conflict, keeps on emphasizing its confrontation with Israel. Strongly worded statements concerning the May 31 events were made at yesterday’s sitting of the Justice and Development faction. Gochunyan also pointed out that Turkey is now waiting, and further development will show how the conflict will end.

As to the Turkish Government’s attitude towards the local Jewish community, Gochunyan said: “Jews living in Turkey are not under pressure now. No psychological pressure is exerted on the other ethnic minorities either. The Turkish Government’s relevant decree grants special attention to national minorities. So no problems.” According to him, the Israeli-Turkish crisis is the focus of international attention, and its solution will be of vital importance for the region.

Israeli troops stormed an international flotilla with humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, According to Israeli mass media, at least 9 to 16 people were killed during the military operation. After the incident Turkey recalled its Ambassador from Israel and canceled the planned Turkish-Israeli military maneuvers. Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan branded as “state-sponsored terrorism”.