Critical statements from Hakan Fidan in Qatar: 'Turkey will do its part'

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan went to Qatar today for a two-day official visit. The visit is significant as it is his first official engagement with Qatar, which holds a mediator position, following the ceasefire process in Gaza.

Fidan made statements regarding regional developments and the current state of bilateral relations during a joint press conference held with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

In his speech at the meeting, Fidan stated the following:

"We have been working on how we can help with the Syrian issue. Serious steps need to be taken in energy and air transportation, which are needed for the reconstruction of the country. Qatar's steps are gratifying."

Emphasizing the importance of lifting international sanctions, Minister Fidan said, "It is gratifying that armed groups are uniting under a national army." Reiterating Turkey's determination in the fight against terrorism, Fidan stated, "It is important that the fight against the PKK/YPG continues, just as it did with DAESH. Damascus's efforts to find a solution regarding the YPG are ongoing. Our hope is that this issue will be resolved without bloodshed. We are following it very closely. We have no chance of tolerating terrorism finding a place in Syria."

"TURKEY WILL DO ITS PART"

Stating that Turkey's stance on Gaza is clear, Fidan used the expression, "We are absolutely against the project of displacing the Palestinian people from Gaza," and said that AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has expressed that they are ready to act jointly with other countries to host some Palestinians in order to contribute to the process. Fidan said, "Turkey will do its part. As long as the ceasefire agreement continues."

Touching upon Turkey's health aid in Gaza, Fidan stated, "We have the necessary preparations for patients who cannot be treated in the field hospitals we sent to the region. Our Ministry of Health is doing its best and waiting for this."

QATARI PRIME MINISTER: OUR DOORS ARE OPEN TO THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE, BUT VOLUNTARINESS IS ESSENTIAL

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani called on Israel and Hamas at the meeting to begin negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire process as soon as possible.

Emphasizing that Qatar's stance on supporting Palestinians is clear, Al Thani said, "Our doors are open to the Palestinian people, but this must be based on voluntariness. Regional countries will host Palestinians. There are those who are wounded and in need of medical support. We are also maintaining communication with Egypt."

Speaking about the negotiations regarding the ceasefire process in Gaza, Al Thani also stated that there is not yet a definitive plan as to when the second phase of the process will begin.

News Source: 12punto