DUSHANBE
, August 2, Asia-Plus –
Turkey
calls for the end to the current fighting in the
Middle East
, Mr. Ashkin Chakmak, Charge D’Affaires, Turkish Embassy in
Dushanbe
, remarked at a news conference in
Dushanbe
yesterday.
“
Turkey
keeps up with the latest developments in the region,” said Mr. Chakmak, “Our country is not supporter of a war and during a 60-year confrontation we have always insisted on settling the conflict through political way.”
Turkish diplomat expressed concern about escalation of tension in the region, noting that the Government of Turkey has condemned detention by Israeli authorities of elected Palestinian ministers as well as operation in
Lebanon
, where 500 people have already been killed.
“Fifth of
Lebanon
’s population has already left the country, and
Lebanon
itself is currently on the verge of humanitarian crisis,” Mr. Chakmak stressed.
At the same, according to him, the Turkish side considers that
Israel
has the right to protect itself against actions of Hezbollah group. Turkish diplomat noted that
Turkey
was ready to send its peacekeeping forces to
Lebanon
only if cessation of fire is announced. At present this issue is negotiated with the United Nations, according to Mr. Chakmak.
Turkish diplomat added that
Turkey
played an important role as a transit country for evacuation of citizens of other countries from
Lebanon
. 10,000 foreigners have left
Lebanon
via the
territory
of
Turkey
.
No Tajik citizens have been reported among those evacuated from
Lebanon
via
Turkey
.
