Peres Sends Condolences to Turkey

Israel’s embassy in Turkey canceled a celebration of Israel’s Independence Day and President Shimon Peres sent a letter of condolence to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan following the mine collapse Wednesday in Manisa that trapped more than 700 miners underground. Erdogan said Wednesday that 238 miners had died and more than 200 remain trapped, while 363 have been rescued.

“I wish to extend my deepest condolences, and those of the people of Israel, to your country on the tragic accident in Manisa,” Peres said in the statement. “We are all shocked at the loss of life of innocent people at work and our thoughts are with the people of Turkey.”

Following a breakdown in relations in 2010, Israel and Turkey have been in reconciliation talks since last year. Recent reports indicate that an agreement is near.