ANKARA, Jul 3 Turkey has been targeted» supporters of the war» in the conflict in Ukraine, said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
«During Eid al-Adha, we held talks with the leaders of 21 countries, accepted congratulations and discussed bilateral issues. From the war between Russia and Ukraine to the end of the fratricidal war in Sudan, Turkey's contribution is obvious. Our country plays a decisive role in resolving crises thanks to his poise, fairness and reassuring attitude,» he said Monday in an address to the nation after a cabinet meeting.
«If the Istanbul peace process could have been exploited, there would not have been the destruction and tears we have experienced so far. The diplomatic efforts that continued with the grain agreement and the exchange of prisoners were, unfortunately, blocked and exhausted by the supporters of the war «For this, tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians paid with their lives. In fact, for some period, Turkey became the target of this military lobby,» he added.
According to him, «instead of carrying firewood for the war,» Ankara is making efforts to establish peace.
«We are the only country that is currently negotiating with Russia and Ukraine at the same time, using channels of dialogue and developing proposals for solving problems,» Erdogan said.