Turkish document defines Israel as �central threat�

The Jerusalem Post (Link) (October 30, 2010)

The Turkish National Security Council approved a few days ago significant changes in a document which contains threats against Turkey claiming that Israel is now a major threat to the country, Turkish media reported Saturday.

Israel was redefined as a �major threat� in the document called �The Red Book.�

This is the first time that Turkey has defined Israel�s actions in the Middle East as a threat towards it.

The document also stated that Israel�s actions may cause countries in the region to begin an �arms race.�

At the same time the Council decided to remove Syria, Bulgaria, Georgia and Armenia from the list of countries that pose a threat to Turkey.

Iran, which was previously a major threat to Ankara was also removed from the list of countries.

The document is valid for five years.

Greece is still defined as a threat against Turkey, however Turkey�s neighbor is considered an external threat. �

The document also states that the Middle East should be free of nuclear weapons. �