Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak Wednesday downplayed tensions with Turkey, despite Ankara's decision to cancel a joint military exercise. "I think that basically there are ups and downs for all different reasons in relations. But our relationship with Turkey is long-standing, important and strategic in nature," Barak said, according to AFP.
"Basically, it was delayed, not cancelled," he noted.
According to Barak, he doubted the development will cause long-term damage to Israeli-Turkish relations.
Washington on Tuesday dubbed Turkey's decision "inappropriate."
© 2009 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
