Turkiye's UN envoy on Ukraine: 'We don't need a new war in our region'

WASHINGTON

Turkiye's UN representative Feridun Sinirlioglu on Wednesday called for "restraint and common sense" amid the Ukraine crisis, saying "we do not need nor do we want a new war in our region".

In his remarks at UN General Assembly meeting, Sinirlioglu said there is a "new act of aggression" in Ukraine and it is "our legal and moral obligation" to support Ukraine's independence, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political unity.

The Turkish envoy was referring to Russia's recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent states and his decision to send troops there for "peacekeeping missions".

"We call upon Russia to reverse its decision and return to diplomacy and dialogue on the basis of the Minsk agreements. This is the only way that will take us away from the precipice," said Sinirlioglu.

"We urge the parties to get together around the negotiation table without delay. We are ready to facilitate this process and host technical and/or high-level meetings," he added.