Turkey has offered Russia and Ukraine a limited agreement on non-aggression against energy facilities and ensuring the safety of navigation in the Black Sea until a comprehensive peace agreement is concluded, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on NET television.
„In the absence of a comprehensive ceasefire and peace agreement, it is proposed to conclude a limited agreement on refraining from strikes on energy facilities and ensuring the safety of navigation in the Black Sea.“ He said.
Fidan recalled that the grain agreement was concluded in 2022 on a similar principle. „As a result, not only ships involved in grain transport but also all commercial ships avoided being blocked from sailing.“ he said.
The grain agreement expired in 2023. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that most of Ukraine's grain was exported by the West to its own countries, while the main objective of the agreement – to supply grain to countries in need, including African states – was never fulfilled.
Fidan also said that another commercial vessel was attacked in the Black Sea on Saturday, but without consequences. The Turkish Ministry of Defence had previously announced that it was taking the necessary measures to counter threats to civilian vessels in its exclusive economic zone.
Fidan did not rule out that some issues related to the peaceful settlement of the conflict would be resolved in Ukraine through a referendum.
„It seems that, to a certain extent, a number of issues in Ukraine will be resolved through elections and referendums, and some provisions of the peace agreement will only be resolved by referendum.“ he said.
He added that Turkey is prepared to act as a mediator.
„Both sides clearly state what they want and what they do not want. The problem is the discrepancy between what each side wants and what they do not want. This is where a mediator is needed.“ He said.
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