Turkey Voices Support For Recognition of Independent Palestinian State

ANKARA, Turkey – Turkey's prime minister has voiced strong backing for Palestinian plans to seek U.N. recognition of an independent state.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday that Turkey would "mobilize" support to help Palestinians achieve recognition and form their own state. He was addressing reporters after talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Erdogan also said Turkey was prepared to contribute toward Palestinian efforts to form a unity government.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu this week held separate meetings with Abbas and Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal, days after they called off a meeting in Egypt meant to finalize a reconciliation agreement.

Abbas reaffirmed commitment to Palestinian unity saying: "there will be no turning back from the road to reconciliation."