The sudden resignation of veteran Turkish diplomat Nabi Sensoy before his tenure in Washington was set to expire in early 2010 has spurred questions about a potential rift between the Turkish government and its diplomats. Retired ambassadors contacted by the Daily News say the government has failed to give credit to Sensoy’s nearly four-decade-long diplomatic career.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday told the members of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that Israel is interested in direct talks with Syria over Turkish mediated negotiations, adding that his government would prefer Paris over Ankara in a situation in which a mediator is required, reported the Israeli Web site ynetnews.com.