Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described US President Joe Biden’s approval for Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia as a step that fuels the war.
“This could bring the region and the world to the brink of a new and major war,” Erdoğan remarked.
Speaking to Turkish journalists on his return flight from Brazil, Erdoğan was asked to comment on the announcement that Biden had allowed the use of US-manufactured ATACMS ballistic missiles on Russian territory.
“First of all, we do not find this decision right, nor do we approve of it. From the start of the Ukraine-Russia war, we have believed that it can only end through more peace efforts, goodwill, and diplomacy—not more weapons, blood, and tears,” he responded.
Now, he said, “a step that can be interpreted as a move to fuel the war, ensure it never ends, or even spread, came from Mr Biden. This step by Biden will not only escalate the conflict but also provoke a stronger reaction from Russia.”
Erdoğan also noted that “Mr Putin has approved a doctrine allowing his country to respond with nuclear weapons if attacked by ballistic missiles. All of this could bring the region and the world to the brink of a new and major war.”
“It is our hope and wish that both the Ukrainian and Russian sides focus on peace while remaining calm and refraining from provocations. The smallest mistake, especially one based on this major misstep, or succumbing to provocations, would be like igniting a powder keg. Therefore, I advise everyone to be cautious,” he stressed.
When a journalist noted that names in US President-elect Donald Trump’s announced cabinet opposed Turkey’s policies, Erdoğan replied, “We cannot build our relationships on prejudice. We must be very careful and sensitive here.”
“Although President-elect Trump says he will end wars, it is too early to comment on the new era. We will see what the United States’ stance toward the Middle East will be when the new president assumes office,” he said.
He added, “We will strive to advance Turkey-US relations in line with our country’s interests in the new period.”
Naturally, Erdoğan stated, “we are analysing who is in Trump’s cabinet and their approach, and we are making our preparations accordingly. For us, what matters is not just what they said or thought before taking office but what they do after assuming responsibility.”
“We want to believe in Mr Trump’s rhetoric about ending wars and expect steps in this direction. If America acts with an approach to end wars, it can create a new climate for a peaceful resolution of conflicts in our region,” he remarked.
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Source: CNA
