Prime Minister’s Office Director-General Eli Cohen today (Sunday), 27.6.04, at the Prime Minister’s Bureau, convened an assessment of the situation regarding the issue of aviation security vis-à-vis Turkey.  Representatives of the Foreign Ministry, Transportation Ministry, El Al and the Civil Aviation Authority, as well as various security officials, were in attendance.

It was decided that diplomatic and security contacts with the Turkish government would continue this week in an effort to resolve the issue as soon as possible.  In the event that contacts are not exhausted on the issue, another assessment will be held before any decision is made.

El Al has accepted the recommendation of security officials and has decided to cancel its flights to Turkey until Wednesday, 30.6.04, and find alternative arrangements.