Yes, but again by Erdogan: Condemns Russian invasion but does not impose sanctions

Turkey is ready to host a meeting between Ukrainian and Russian leaders, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday, reiterating the need for an urgent ceasefire.

Speaking to reporters during an official visit to Uzbekistan, Erdogan said he believed that the meetings of the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul had given a substantial impetus to the peace process: “Russia’s decision to significantly reduce its military operations in Kyiv and “Chernihiv is indeed an important step. Similarly, the statements of the heads of state that they can meet when an agreement is reached show how important this step is. We expect it to be implemented and the war to end before it causes more deaths and destruction.”

Expressing his happiness that Turkey is hosting such an important meeting thanks to its active diplomacy and balanced approach, Erdogan said: “I am determined to talk to both Mr Putin and Mr Zelensky as soon as I return. meetings, we will express my gratitude to both me and my nation and we will say, ‘Our goal is to bring you together as soon as possible.’ I hope we will have a historic moment. “to host the meeting at the level of Heads of State, but in the meantime, it is very important to ensure a temporary ceasefire.”

“I think peace is the most important solution and a way out. In this regard, I hope we can contribute to the completion of this project as soon as possible. As Turkey, it will make us happy that we have completed it, work with the confidence of both Mr. “Putin and Mr. Zelensky in such a process,” he said.

Referring to the negotiations between the two warring parties, Erdogan said that Ukraine does not insist on joining NATO: “In fact, I do not think Ukraine will be very persistent on the issue of the European Union. Because, in this process, the states The European Union, with the exception of a few, is not pushing hard for that, but I have learned and heard about Mr Putin’s positive view of Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. of these meetings “.

Regarding the possible guarantor role of Turkey, Erdogan said that Turkey can be one of the guarantors of Ukraine’s security, we see it positively at first, but of course the details need to be clarified.

Stressing that the international community appreciates Turkey’s efforts for a peace based on a policy of principles and balance, Erdogan reiterated that Turkey will not participate in sanctions against Russia: “While expressing our reaction to Russia’s military activities, “We also attach importance to maintaining our dialogue. This dialogue is important and necessary not only in the context of Ukraine but also in many geographies closely related to us, such as Syria, Libya and the South Caucasus.”

Regarding Roman Abramovich’s participation in the peace talks in Istanbul, he said: “Abramovich participated in the negotiations as a member of the Russian delegation … If Russia and Putin preferred to include Abramovich in their delegation, it means that “We greeted him. We greeted him like everyone else at that meeting. I wish good luck to all the members of the delegation who participated in these studies. I hope we will see the results of this effort as soon as possible.”

Earlier, similar Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoλουlu also made statements.

Turkey more affordable route for Israel’s gas export

Cost estimates have shown that Turkey is the most affordable route to export Israeli gas, Erdogan said.

Erdogan said he was “very, very optimistic” about energy cooperation with Israel and hoped to discuss the issue with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett: “If we discuss this issue with Bennett after Ramadan and take action immediately, the process will “Accelerate Israeli-Turkish cooperation, crude oil and gas in the Eastern Mediterranean,” he told reporters on a return plane from Uzbekistan.

Petros Kranias