Türkiye called for the diplomatic process in the Russia-Ukraine war to be revived at a meeting held by the UN General Assembly. Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız, conveyed Ankara’s approach of seeking a diplomatic solution during the session, which addressed developments surrounding the war.
Yıldız said the continued deadlock in the negotiations had led to an escalation of the conflict, the deaths of numerous civilians and widespread destruction. Noting that civilians continued to bear the burden of the war, Yıldız described the resumption of talks between Russia and Ukraine as a vital step.
Türkiye supports new rounds of talks
Yıldız said the United Nations should assume greater responsibility in peace efforts and stated that Türkiye had maintained a determined stance from the first days of the war in seeking to end the conflict through diplomacy. He also noted that Türkiye had undertaken a mediating role in the negotiations.
Emphasizing that Ankara had maintained its diplomacy-first approach, Yıldız said the parties needed to prepare for difficult compromises for peace, take the necessary steps and return to the negotiating table.
Yıldız said the diplomatic process still had room to advance and expressed hope that new rounds of talks would give momentum to the process and pave the way for peace. Yıldız stated that Türkiye would continue its diplomatic efforts to end the war and reiterated the goal of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Protecting the rights of the Crimean Tatars
Yıldız said Türkiye continued to closely monitor the situation of the Crimean Tatars and stated that, because of their shared history, protecting the community’s well-being as well as its identity, culture, language and rights was of great importance to Türkiye.
Yıldız said the Crimean Tatars should be able to live safe and dignified lives in their homeland and underscored the importance of protecting their cultural heritage.
Yıldız also said Türkiye’s position on Ukraine’s territorial integrity had been clear since the occupation and illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. He stated that this approach was based on the rules of international law.
