Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, who went to Washington to hold the 7th Strategic Mechanism meetings established between America and Turkey in 2021, completed his contacts.
Fidan evaluated the American program during his meeting with Turkish journalists based here.
In his meetings with his US counterpart Antony Blinken, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and members of Congress in Washington, they discussed the US support for YPG/PKK and the steps to be taken regarding FETO, bilateral and regional issues in detail. Explaining, Fidan stated that they devoted extensive space to the Gaza issue in their talks.
Stating that they exchanged views with their US counterparts on main topics such as energy, economy, finance, finance, fight against terrorism and regional issues, as well as Gaza, Syria and Ukraine, Fidan stated that they clearly stated Turkey’s position on these issues.
GAZA ISSUE WAS THE MAJOR AGENDA
Fidan explained that in their meetings with their American counterparts, they discussed many topics regarding what should be done to stop the bloodshed by Israel, especially in Gaza.
Explaining that western countries and institutions had to take some steps in the diplomatic pressure and surveillance environment created by a group of countries, including Turkey, Minister Fidan said, “As a result of the increasing humanitarian tragedy, especially in recent months, becoming unbearable, the international community should immediately send humanitarian aid to Gaza.” “We shared our views on the delivery of the goods to Turkey, discussed the steps that can be taken here. We expressed again what we, as Turkey, have to do and what our expectations are from the United States in this regard.” said.
Emphasizing that a permanent political solution to the Israel-Palestine problem will only be on the axis of the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and a two-state solution, Fidan said:
“There has never been such a consensus in any event in the world, they agree on the following issues: A ceasefire, some say a humanitarian ceasefire, some like us an uninterrupted permanent ceasefire, the entry of humanitarian aid and an immediate halt to the killing of civilians, and a two-state solution. Not just a ceasefire, “Immediately implementing the two-state solution. Now, almost the whole world has agreed on this.”
Stating that the US administration’s approach to establishing a temporary port in Gaza was a result of the reaction in the international community, Fidan noted that many countries felt obliged to do something.
“THE SITUATION IN GAZA IS A HEAVY BURDEN ON THE CONSCIENCE”
Reminding that the situation in Gaza is not only “a heavy burden on the conscience” but also can be a fuse that will mobilize the countries’ own societies, Fidan said, “It is now indispensable to end this great tragedy, this great massacre that our Gazan brothers have experienced, and to ensure that concrete steps are taken towards this end.” It was a responsibility.” he commented.
Minister Fidan said:
“As you know, when it comes to Israel, we have known for a long time that the international system, especially the western-centered system, is blind, deaf and dumb, that is, this is a reality that everyone in the world knows and is afraid to even say, and some people are tired of saying. But in Gaza, there are more than 30 thousand people.” “The deliberate murder of many innocent civilians now represents a new point in cruelty. Therefore, the crisis that this continuation will create in the international system and the explosions it will cause in the region is a reality that we can no longer tolerate, and states must take action accordingly.”
EVALUATION OF F-16 AND F-35
Noting that the political process regarding F-16s has been completed and that the Biden administration has made a decision and informed Congress in this process, Fidan stated that the technical processes regarding the production and delivery of the aircraft have now begun.
Fidan said, “The American administration put forward a will here and informed the Congress about it. It was passed by the Congress at the end of a certain process and the will-making process was completed. What follows is actually a technical process. It is an ongoing process between the ministries of defense and the relevant companies.” period.” he said.
Touching on the F-35 issue, Fidan said:
“As you know, regarding the F-35, we were a part of this program, then there was an unjust removal from here, using the S-400 issues as an excuse. We maintain our position again, that is, there is a national payment we have made here, there are planes we need to purchase. Turkey “Of course, we are always ready to talk and discuss these issues with a broad mind and an open mind. At this stage, we believe that we can actually discuss these issues from different perspectives. We think that America should also be open-minded on this issue, there are some exchanges of views.”
EMPHASIS ON YPG/PKK THREAT
Underlining that the support given by the USA to YPG/PKK is not only weapons, but also the transferred capacity, training provided and institutionalization created are a threat to Turkey, Fidan said, “The state of the Republic of Turkey deals with all threats and terrorist centers that pose a threat to itself within or outside its borders.” “It is fighting and will continue to fight within the framework of legitimate national and international law. No one can stop us from this.” he said.
Minister Fidan said, “We said that the fact that this process that you started temporarily has turned into a permanent one is the biggest obstacle to the progress of the strategic relationship between the two countries. This must end as soon as possible and a solution must be found for it, otherwise the two countries will face a greater confrontation.” “It carries the risk through the terrorist organization. This is not an issue that is in the interest of either country.” said.
Fidan said, “We once again underlined our dissatisfaction with the relations with the YPG in Syria and the strategic danger this poses between the two countries and two NATO member partners.” he said.
(AA)
