TEHRAN The Arabic newspaper **** Asharq al-Awsat **** wrote, "By strengthening its ties with the Zionist regime, Turkey is sneering at the Arab countries."

In its Saturday issue, this international daily wrote, "Today the joint maneuvers carried out by Turkey and the Zionist regime were concluded. Turkish military officials believe that today Ankara and Tel Aviv no longer need the supporting shield of the United States to fend off any reactions by the Arabic and Islamic states."

Quoting anonymous sources in the Turkish military, the daily said Ankara and Tel Aviv are examining plans to stage joint war games in Turkey's border region with Syria.

**** Asharq al-Awsat **** added, "Turkish statesmen are very interested in getting closer to the Zionist regime, and at the same time, Zionist lobbies in the U.S are campaigning to promote Ankara-Tel Aviv ties."

The article added, "Israel intends to support Turkey's bid to join the European Union."

"Turkey's enthusiastic approach toward the Zionist regime is contrary to its historic links with Arab states, specially at a time when the world is witnessing the continuous massacre of Palestinians by the Zionists" the daily concluded.