Türkiye urges international cooperation on Gaza peace and Ukraine talks Backs US mediation

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called on Europe, as well as the parties to the conflict in Ukraine and interested countries, to engage in negotiations, noting that US mediation in this matter has a chance of success.

According to TASS, he made these remarks during a discussion at the Doha Forum.

“In the absence of the US [directly engaging with Europe on Ukraine], Europe needs to seek more creative solutions to become more resilient. I believe the only viable way to end this war is to participate in negotiations sincerely and decisively. At present, good mediation efforts are underway. I hope that US mediation will help achieve success; they have every chance of succeeding,” Fidan said.

The top priority for the international stabilisation forces in the Gaza Strip, the formation of which is currently under discussion, is the border separation of Palestinians and Israelis.

“We will continue to contribute to the ongoing efforts to establish peace in Gaza. As for the international stabilisation forces, there are currently extensive discussions about how to form this structure, what specific tasks will be assigned, and the rules of engagement. I believe that when formulating the mission of these forces, we must be realistic and take into account the nuances, since there are real conditions on the ground. Our primary task when deploying the forces should be the separation of Palestinians and Israelis at the border,” he said.

After this part of the mission is implemented, according to Fidan, “other issues can then be addressed.”

“Everything this mission will do will also be linked to the work of other bodies, particularly the police, which will be strengthened and trained. In addition, we will have the Palestinian local administration and a peace council. All these bodies are expected to work in coordination,” the minister noted.

He added that “once this system is more or less established, it will be possible to speak about realistic expectations for the international mission.” At present, he said, regarding the question of forming the stabilisation forces, “there is a major problem,” namely “which countries and in what volume and format will contribute.”

By Tamilla Hasanova