Erdogan: Russia's recognition of DPR, LPR independence "unacceptable"
The Turkish president describes Russia's recognition of the republics of Donetsk and Lugansk as "unacceptable," and calls on the parties to the Ukraine crisis to abide by international law.
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Erdogan: Russia's recognition of DPR, LPR independence "unacceptable"
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters on Tuesday that Russia's recognition of the independence of Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics is "unacceptable."
"We see this decision by Russia as unacceptable. We repeat our call for common sense and respect for international law by all sides," Erdogan said.
"We invite the parties concerned to act with common sense and comply with the international law."
Erdogan, who has cordial relations with both Russia and Ukraine, has proposed that the two countries' leaders meet in Turkey for a three-way conference to defuse tensions.
He paid a visit to Kiev earlier this month for meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he described as "positive" about a summit hosted by Turkey, and was expecting a response from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"And if Mr. Putin also looks on this positively, we can, God willing, come together in Istanbul or Ankara," Erdogan said last week.
Turkey, a NATO member, shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea and maintains cordial relations with both. Erdogan has volunteered to arbitrate in the dispute, has warned Russia against "invading" Ukraine, and has slammed the West's handling of the problem.
