Turkish FM slams former OIC head for 'Neutrality' statement on Arab-Israeli conflict.

Turkish FM slams former OIC head for 'Neutrality' statement on Arab-Israeli conflict.(Taz).

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu criticized the statement made by the former head of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the candidate for the presidency, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Turkish "Sabah" newspaper wrote.

Davutoglu noted that Ihsanoglu 'forgot about the purpose of his earlier organization, the purpose of which is to solve the Palestinian problem'.

The Turkish FM also noted that those who are calling on Turkey to maintain neutrality in the issue of the Arab-Israeli conflict, unwittingly support the occupation of Palestinian lands.

Earlier, Ihsanoglu urged Ankara to be neutral on the Arab-Israeli conflict issue.

He said Turkey needs to be a neutral party in the Arab-Israeli conflict, particularly on the Palestine issue.

"There are Arab countries that, despite the conflict in Palestine, have good relations with Israel," Ihsanoglu said.

He added that Turkey should continue mediation in the settlement of the Palestinian crisis.

Relations between Israel and Turkey sharply deteriorated after an Israeli special mission unit seized the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, which was included into the so-called Freedom Flotilla moving into the blockaded Gaza Strip.