ANKARA, February 11, 2007, (WAFA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey said that Israeli unilateral acts in Jerusalem concern all Muslims and cause a major indignation in the Islamic world.

In a press release issued Sunday, the ministry revealed that excavations that were put in action by Israel in the old city of Jerusalem to build a new bridge under the justifications that the historical bridge in front of the Magharbeh Gate in Haram al- Shareef in Jerusalem has been rendered useless, have led to major massive reaction and as a result of that clashes erupted between the Palestinian protesters that marched in demonstrations and the Israeli security forces.

"Some sad events had happened in the past that were relevant to Haram al-shareef a place which is considered as one of the holist sites of the Islamic world. Hence, it is necessary to derive lessons from the past events and avoid attitudes and actions that would provide and create new tensions," the ministry added.

It also pointed out that "In a period were hopes are raised for the revitalisation of the peace process, there is a need to act with common sense and responsibility in order to maintain this constructive atmosphere."

"It is our expectation that a course of conduct that respects the holiness of the site be approached so as not to lead the current situation into a further escalation and in addition to that there is a need to adopt the tension that resulted from it. We are bringing our views to the attention of the Israeli side." the Ministry concluded.

H.M (20:37 P) (18:37 GMT)