BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 15. To prevent the
Russian-Ukrainian war from escalating further and to avert further
large-scale destruction, the war must be stopped, Turkish Foreign
Minister Hakan Fidan said, Trend's correspondent reports from the event.
Fidan made the remarks while answering journalists’ questions at
a joint press conference with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun
Bayramov in Baku.
He noted that, although four and a half years have passed since
the war began, Türkiye’s position has not changed.
“This is a war that should never have started, should not have
escalated, and must be stopped immediately,” H. Fidan
emphasized.
According to the minister, various initiatives have been put
forward to diplomatically implement the will expressed by the
Turkish president. He noted that, leveraging its relations with
both sides, Türkiye has for many years facilitated the conclusion
of a grain deal, the drafting of the Istanbul peace agreement,
which had practically reached the signing stage, as well as
prisoner exchanges.
H. Fidan stated that intensive efforts were also underway to
organize public and private meetings between the parties in
Istanbul and other cities in Türkiye.
“We have spoken with the parties involved; we have spoken with
the relevant stakeholders. This work is ongoing,” he added.
The minister emphasized that the continuation of the war is
causing enormous harm not only to the region but also to the global
economy.
According to him, U.S. President Donald Trump has also stated in
recent days that the rise in diesel fuel prices is largely due to
the Russian-Ukrainian war. H. Fidan noted that, in this regard, a
demand has been made for the parties to reach an agreement on a
non-aggression pact regarding energy infrastructure, on imposing a
moratorium, or on an exemption from it.
“The United Nations, the United States of America, we, and a
number of other states are sincerely making every effort. Turkey is
the only one among these participants that has expressed this
position from the very beginning,” H. Fidan said.
He noted that Türkiye is currently continuing its efforts in
this direction and is attempting to raise these issues through
behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts, without publicizing them.
According to the minister, efforts are currently ongoing; in
particular, priority is being given to the Black Sea, negotiations
are being held with the parties on this issue, proposals are being
put forward, and responses are being received from the parties.
“We are also working to ensure that these responses are
coordinated and that a common understanding can be reached
regarding them,” he emphasized.
Fidan stated that over the past year, the war has shifted from a
war of attrition to a war of annihilation, and there are virtually
no places left that have not been subjected to shelling.
According to him, in addition to targeted shelling of populated
areas, commercial facilities, infrastructure, and buildings are
also being targeted, and the number of civilian casualties is
rising.
“As a nation with experience in waging war, we have said from
the very beginning what this situation would lead to. It would
gradually escalate. Unfortunately, this is exactly where we have
ended up in terms of geography, methodology, and objectives,” the
Turkish foreign minister said.
He noted that the war must be stopped to prevent its further
spread and new disasters.
According to Fidan, after four and a half years of war, the
parties have also reached this point in terms of psychology and
public consciousness.
“Mediators like us need to find appropriate, effective formulas,
wording, and methods to convince the parties to reach an agreement
at a certain point,” he said.
The minister warned that the continuation of the war not only
affects energy prices, food security, and the environment, but also
increases the risk of its further escalation.
He noted that from time to time, opinions are expressed about
the possibility of the war spreading to other European countries,
not just the Black Sea region.
“We don’t want to talk about this; we don’t even want to think
about it. The geographical expansion of the war is the last thing
we want,” H. Fidan emphasized.
He added that Türkiye continues its efforts in this regard and
will continue to express its position on ending the war.
H. Fidan expressed satisfaction that this position is gaining
increasing support and expressed hope for a swift end to the
war.
