Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar answered journalists' questions about the agenda after the Cabinet Meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Asked for his assessment of Russia's attack on Ukraine, Minister Akar pointed out that the two countries in question are neighbors of Turkey by sea.
Expressing that undesirable events took place, Minister Akar said, “We follow the developments with sadness and concern. The deaths that have happened make us sad. We have extremely positive relations with Ukraine and Russia. Our Honorable President clearly outlined our relations and defined them. At this point, we follow the developments closely. The Republic of Turkey, whose past is full of glory and honor, continues to carry out its foreign policy with principles. We respect and continue to be respectful to the sovereignty rights, borders and territorial integrity of all countries, especially our neighbors, as it has throughout our entire history. Based on this principle, we say the same for Ukraine. Our hope is that some peaceful and diplomatic solutions will be found as soon as possible.” he said.
Emphasizing Turkey's efforts in this direction, Minister Akar said:
“When we look at these principles, it is not possible for us to accept this operation carried out by Russia on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We say and see that this is against international law. We have done everything we have done to put an end to the humanitarian drama here, especially humanitarian aid, and we continue to do so in the same way.
On the one hand, we provide humanitarian aid and on the other hand, we provide all kinds of contributions that support peaceful ways and methods in diplomatic, political and international terms. Over the years, the Montreux status has continued very successfully. The agreement in question is beneficial to all riparian countries, but also regulates the entry and exit of other countries. In any way, the erosion of Montreux and the deterioration of the status quo will not benefit anyone. We see benefit in protecting Montreux. We continue our work within this framework. We consider that it is beneficial for all parties to comply with the rules brought by Montreux and Montreux. Our wish is that these problems will be resolved as soon as possible through peaceful methods and diplomatic means and that peace and tranquility will prevail in the region again. We are working for that.”
“CONTINUING PEACE, PEACE, SAFE ENVIRONMENT”
“We are making efforts so that the Black Sea does not turn into a competitive arena.” Minister Akar made the following statements:
“As the country with the longest coast on the Black Sea, we have preserved this understanding as a principle. In all our meetings, as Turkey, we made an effort to maintain the peace, tranquility and safe environment in the Black Sea. As Turkey, we have looked at all issues within this framework until today. We look at it the same way in this case. We will continue to implement articles 19, 20 and 21 of the Montreux Straits Convention, as we have done so far.” he said.
Asked about his evaluation of the future of the attacks, Minister Akar said, “It is necessary to leave aside the forecasts for the future and make an evaluation based on concrete data. At the beginning of the events, there was military activity and accumulations. Then the military movement began. Negotiations are happening now. We are working to end this crisis with diplomatic and peaceful means and methods as soon as possible and for the people of the region to live in safety and comfort.” gave the answer.
“EVEN THE EVENTS IN UKRAINE ARE USING IT AS AN ELEMENT OF ATTACK AGAINST TURKEY”
Expressing that the TAF continues to carry out its activities successfully in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus upon another question, Minister Akar said, “Although we always favor good intentions, talks, dialogue, peaceful ways and methods, especially our neighbor Greece and especially some politicians. It continues its anti-Turkey rhetoric with actions and rhetoric that escalate tensions by deliberately and aggressively distorting events and facts.” he said. Minister Akar continued his statements as follows:
“They continue their aggressive stance with their eyes darkened that they even try to use the events in Ukraine as an element of attack against Turkey. Everyone sees that this is not going well, and that what has been done against our well-intentioned calls within the framework of good neighborly relations, within the NATO alliance, is extremely wrong. We will continue to maintain our principled stance persistently and stubbornly. At every opportunity, we invite Greece, which has avoided dialogue and meeting, to dialogue, to the table.”
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