ANKARA, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Abdullah Gul Friday stressed the necessity of the coexistence of two independent states, among which is a Palestinian State, with its capital in East Jerusalem, to ensure genuine peace in the Middle East.
Gul made the remarks at a joint press conference in the Turkish capital of Ankara with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas who is paying a working visit.
"Settlements, plot expropriation, efforts to change the status of East Jerusalem and evacuation policies are making the peace process more difficult," Gul said.
Gul also said that the tragedy of humanity in Gaza Strip should end, humanitarian aid should be conveyed to the region, and the blockade should be lifted immediately for reconstruction of the area.
"We hope the optimistic atmosphere, prevailing right now, will not be in vain and every one will work for peace," Gul said.
President Gul also said that Turkey would do everything it could to contribute to the process.
President Gul said Turkey backed the two-state solution, and underscored the importance of reaching a compromise with important actors on the path towards that solution.
Gul also said Turkey's determination and opinion about this issue was fairly obvious, and reaffirmed Turkey's readiness to do what it had to do to contribute to the process.
Turkey mediated four rounds of peace talks between Israel and Syria last year and has also offered to mediate between Israel and the Palestinians.
Abbas's trip came days after his remarks reportedly supporting the thesis of Greek Cypriots in the dispute over the divided island during a recent visit to southern Cyprus sparked controversy.
Abbas arrived in Turkey on Thursday, and met Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan over dinner.
Abbas and Gul will later attend the inauguration of the new embassy building and residence of the Palestinians.
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