Russia-Ukraine tensions: Turkey to continue to abide by Montreux Convention, says defense minister

Photo: AA

Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar has emphasized the importance of dialogue with Russia and Ukraine and said Turkey will continue to abide by the rules set by the Montreux Convention on the passage of ships through the straits.

"The status of the straits (regarding the rules on the passage of ships of Black Sea and non-Black Sea countries) set by the convention benefits all parties," Akar said yesterday (January 31) during a videoconference with senior military officials.

"In the current circumstances, there is no question of abandoning this convention. As for the Black Sea dialogue, Turkey is doing everything it should," he said. "We will continue our dialogue with Russia and Ukraine and we will fulfill our NATO obligations."

Turkey's dialogue with both Ukraine and Russia continues while it undertakes its responsibilities within NATO as part of the alliance, the minister noted.

Akar warned that the recent tensions between Russia and Ukraine pose the danger of an uncontrolled escalation. "As such, we, as Turkey, urge all parties concerned to remain calm and engage in coordination, cooperation and dialogue."

The US and its European allies have been warning that Russia is setting the stage for an invasion of Ukraine and has pre-positioned over 100,000 troops on its border with the former Soviet republic alongside significant artillery and tank deployments.

Moscow has denied preparing for a military offensive, saying its troops are there for regular exercises. (VK)