RE: Watch for a Ceasefire19 Apr 2022 21:43
"Erdogan vows continued efforts for cease-fire in Ukraine war, then lasting peace
Turkiye will work to get outcome from talks in Istanbul satisfactory to both sides, international community, says Recep Tayyip Erdogan
News Service
09:31 April 19, 2022
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Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Vowing continued Turkish efforts for peace in Ukraine, the nation’s president on Monday stressed a push for a cease-fire and then lasting peace to end the eight-week-old war.
“Ensuring a cease-fire first, and then permanent peace between our two neighbors will be one of the most auspicious works to be carried out for the humanity,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in the capital Ankara after an iftar (fast-breaking) dinner with a group of ambassadors for the holy month of Ramadan.
"I wholeheartedly believe that a peaceful solution can be found through dialogue on the basis of preserving Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Erdogan underlined.
“With globalization, our responsibilities to each other increase as well,” Erdogan said, adding: “Even if we forget or refuse to admit it, everything that takes place reminds us once again that all of humanity is in the same boat. We witness this bitter truth in many areas, from conflicts to economic crises, from the pandemic to environmental disasters.”
Amid these realities, Turkiye strives to fulfill its duties and play a productive role, said the president.
“We made intense diplomatic efforts to end the conflicts that started between our two neighbors. At the (March) Antalya Diplomacy Forum, we ensured that the foreign ministers of Ukraine and Russia met with the participation of our foreign minister. Then we hosted the parties in Istanbul to continue their face-to-face negotiations.”
Russia and Ukraine have made progress, but images from the cities of Bucha and Irpin as well as the targeting of civilians in Kramatorsk cast a shadow over Turkiye’s efforts, he added, referring to images of carnage that made headlines worldwide.
Despite negative developments, online talks between the parties continue, Erdogan noted, adding: "Both sides also say they are in favor of advancing the talks in Istanbul."