On Monday, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that Turkish-Russian activities are continuing as planned in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.
He pointed out, during an online meeting with Turkish army leaders, that the defense ministries of Turkey and Russia had signed a memorandum of understanding regarding a ceasefire in the Karabakh region .
“Our activities with the Russians are continuing as planned,” he added.
Regarding the inspection of a Turkish merchant ship in the Mediterranean, within the framework of the European “Irene” operation, Agar said that the ship was transporting humanitarian aid in full, and we have taken all necessary measures regarding this within the framework of the law, and we will follow up on that. ”
On November 22, a German frigate searched, as part of the “Irene” operation, a Turkish merchant ship that was heading to the port of Misurata in western Libya.
Later, the “Irini” command center acknowledged that its forces searched a Turkish merchant ship in the Mediterranean, without permission from Ankara, without finding any prohibited goods inside the ship.
On developments in the eastern Mediterranean region, Agar stressed that Greece is responsible for the escalation there, not Turkey.
He added, “We are trying to do everything in our power to solve our problems through dialogue and good-neighborly relations, but unfortunately our (Greece) neighbors are stubbornly refraining from negotiations and talks, and are knocking on other doors in search of a solution.”
He continued, “Although we told them that they will not find a solution in this way, they insist on their mistakes.”
He stressed that accusing Turkey such as “escalating tension”, “escalation” and “provocation” is not a way out for a solution, expressing his hope that the other side will realize this.
He stressed Turkey’s steadfast position based on the principle of protecting its rights and interests and continuing good-neighborly relations.
He indicated that Turkey will continue to protect its rights and the rights of Turkish Cypriots within the framework of international law and norms.
