Turkish Team Inspects Controversial Jerusalem Dig

A team of Turkish experts inspected an Israeli excavation in Jerusalem that Muslims fear could damage one of Islam's holiest sites.

Israel's archaeological dig is taking place 50 metres (165 feet) from the religious compound known to Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif and to Jews as Temple Mount. The work has sparked protests and concern in Muslim nations, including in Turkey.

About six Turkish officials toured the area briefly with Turkey's consul general in Jerusalem, Ercan Ozer.

"The delegation came here to examine the situation on the ground," Ozer said. "They are going to ... present a report to the Turkish prime minister, and it will be published later."

Ali Guney, deputy head of mission at Turkey's consulate in Jerusalem, said the delegation's visit was "purely technical" and should not be seen as political.

Muslims fear the dig, aimed at salvaging artefacts before the planned construction of a walkway leading up to the complex, will harm the compound, which houses the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa mosques and overlooks Judaism's Western Wall.

Israel says the excavation, which began last month, will not cause damage to the complex, where many Jews believe the two biblical Jewish temples once stood. It installed internet video cameras at the site soon after the work began.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert agreed last month in Ankara that a Turkish team could inspect the site. U.N. experts, who visited it last month, have called for the work to stop, and proceed only under international supervision.