Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan: 'This conference may be the last exit before the bridge'

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan delivered a speech at the Ukraine Peace Conference hosted by Switzerland.

Stating that a devastating war has been ongoing in the heart of Europe for over 2 years with the invasion of Ukraine, Fidan said, "When we look at the estimates, it is seen that the number of casualties is over 500 thousand. This has now turned into a war of attrition. When we look, we see that this tragedy can get worse every day in the 21st century."

Stating that 2 significant risks have emerged with the continuation of the war, Fidan said, "Geographically, this war could go beyond Ukraine. We already see that the lines are deepening in this conflict and we are witnessing that polarization at the global level is being fueled even more. This conflict between Ukraine and Russia could soon turn into more than just a war."

''IF RUSSIA HAD ALSO BEEN IN THE ROOM...''

Emphasizing that there is also a risk that this war could involve weapons of mass destruction, Fidan stated, "We have gathered here today to prevent these 2 risks and to put an end to the war. We have the Ukraine Peace Plan before us. Russia also recently shared its own terms and conditions. Regardless of their content and the conditions put forward, we think these are important steps and a glimmer of hope. However, both sides think that the steps taken by the other are an extension of broader war efforts. This conference may be the last exit before the bridge."

Noting that Russia, the other party to the conflict, should also have been in the room, Fidan said, "If Russia had also been in the room, this summit could have been more results-oriented. We believe that there is an increasing need for a comprehensive and inclusive strategy that uses diplomacy and negotiations to strengthen the measures currently being implemented."

''TURKEY IS READY TO FACILITATE THE PROCESS AS IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN''

Expressing that Turkey has been actively participating in diplomatic efforts from the very beginning, Fidan said, "The Istanbul talks in March 2022 and the Black Sea Grain Initiative are very important signs that diplomacy and negotiations can make progress. Turkey is ready to facilitate the process as it has always been. I would like to underline one point here. Its inclusive nature made the grain initiative successful and unique. It provided predictability for both sides and ensured navigational safety for maritime exports. There is much we can learn from this. Our latest attempt to implement a similar mechanism also almost yielded a positive result."

Emphasizing that Turkey will certainly not refrain from making further efforts, Fidan said, "Turkey resolutely continues its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. Our vision for peace is realistic, inclusive, practical, and implementation-oriented. To this end, we are determined to create a way forward. As President Erdoğan has stated, there will be no losers in a just peace."

News Source: İHA