Turkish media outlets reported that Peres had apologized to Erdogan during their five-minute phone conversation, but Peres’ office denied the report, saying that the purpose of the telephone call was simply to ensure that the “crisis won’t deteriorate.”
The following is a transcript of the phone conversation between the two leaders, issued by Turkey’s state-run Anatolian Agency on Friday:
Peres: Such things happen between friends. I am very sorry for today’s incident. Firstly, my respect towards the Turkish republic and you a prime minister has never changed.
Erdogan: Firstly, of course. There is no doubt that such arguments can happen between friends. But nobody can even speak to a tribe leader so loudly and in front of the international community, and not to the leader of the Republic of Turkey.
Peres: I raised my voice. In fact my friends tell me that I have a quite voice. This has nothing to do with my relationship with the prime minister of the Republic of Turkey. I am very sorry for what happened today.
Erdogan: I heard that you are going to hold a press conference.
Peres: Not today, but tomorrow.
Erdogan: If you express these sincere feelings, which I believe you will, in tomorrow’s press conference, I assume this problem will be mostly overcome.
Peres: Of course I will publicly express these remarks.
Erdogan: Thank you very much for your call Mr. President.
Peres: I thank you and wish you a nice flight.
Source: AA (Turkey), Haaretz (Israel), January 30, 2009
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