Çavuşoğlu 'Problems not Overcome', Lavrov 'I’ve not Heard Anything New'

Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has gathered with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov at Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE) held in Belgrade. The meeting lasted 40 minutes.

The first time a direct contact was made between the two countries since Russian warplane downed on Syrian border on November 24.

After the meeting, Çavuşoğlu said, “It wouldn’t be correct to say the problems have been overcome”, and Lavrov expressed “We haven’t heard anything new”.

Turkey’s Çavuşoğlu had said, “We can overcome this problem, even the crisis by means of dialogue” while Lavrov had stated that not hearing anything new from Turkey would upset them.

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Çavuşoğlu: “It wouldn’t be correct to say the problems have been overcome”

According to Sputnik News, Çavuşoğlu said the following in his post-meeting evaluation:

“It wouldn’t be correct to say the problems have been overcome in the initial meeting. It is normal to have different opinions, we spoke unsubtly. We expressed condolences for the Russian pilot. Neither of the parties wants to escalate the tension. I wish reason prevails.

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“The incident that came to existence on November 24 because of violation of Turkey’s border shouldn’t be confused with fighting against our common enemy DAEŞ (ISIS-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).

“The conflict lasting five years in Syria has caused problems for all the region. It has increased the magnitude of terror threat. Attacks took place in Ankara, Paris. Russian warplane was shot down in Egypt. These attacks have significantly altered our security protocols.

“Our wish is that Russia abandon its groundless claims. We haven’t taken any decision of sanction upon Russia”.

Lavrov: I haven’t heard anything new

A statement came from Lavrov after Çavuşoğlu’s remarks.

“I haven’t heard anything new from Çavuşoğlu as to shooting down Russian plane.

“It is curious that the accusation Erdoğan directed at us has been made after Russia mentioned illegal oil trade.

“We hold people of Turkey separate from those who gave the order to shoot down the Russian plane.

“Turkish-Syrian border must be closed. Closing the border may be possible only with all the sides that operate in land and air combining their efforts.

“The U.S. is of the opinion that the border must be closed. However, clear action plans have yet to be determined as to closing northern part of Syrian border.

“Kurds are our ally in fighting against ISIS as well as closing the border”. (EKN/TK)

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