Erdogan: Turkey opposes “witch hunts” against Russia and Russian culture

He added that “fascist discrimination tactics are being used against Russia, which could overshadow Ukraine’s legitimate war.”

“Just as we will not leave Ukraine, we also do not accept similar actions of a ‘witch hunt’ against the Russian people, literature, students or artists,” President Erdoğan told his Justice and Development Party (AK) parliamentary group. ).

Citing the dismissal of the Russian conductor from the Munich Munich Philharmonic because he supported President Putin, Erdogan said “such fascist practices” cast a shadow over Ukraine’s “legitimate struggle” to resist Russian troops, and even incite a “climate of hatred and resentment which sows new discontents.”

The Turkish president also criticized international organizations for “failing to take action on war zones, especially the UN Security Council.”

Erdoğan has long blamed the UN for its powerlessness in the face of global problems and has backed a more comprehensive Security Council.

Regarding refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine, amid reports that some African and Asian refugees have been restrained, Erdoğan said a mentality that discriminates against the oppressed based on their religion, national origin or skin color has nothing to do with humanity or civilization.

Ankara said it never discriminates against those fleeing war and persecution according to their language, religion or skin color, he said.

Turkey has meanwhile sheltered over 4 million refugees, most of them from war-torn Syria, more than any other country in the world.

After agreeing to meet this week between the foreign ministers of Russia, Ukraine and Turkey in the southern Turkish resort city of Antalya, Erdoğan cited Turkey’s strong diplomatic efforts to end the war.

He said he hoped the meeting, scheduled to take place on the eve of the three-day Diplomacy Forum in Antalya, would “open the door” to a permanent ceasefire in Ukraine.

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