Turkiye set to implement provisions of Montreux Convention

ANKARA

Turkiye will implement all provisions of the Montreux Convention in a transparent manner as the situation in Ukraine constitutes a “war,” Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday.

The convention dating back to 1936 gives Turkiye control of its straits and authority to regulate the transit of naval warships.

Following the start of Moscow’s military intervention in Ukraine, Kyiv asked Turkiye to close the Canakkale and Istanbul Straits to Russian ships.

Speaking to news channel CNN Turk, Cavusoglu welcomed the upcoming talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials and emphasized the need for a lasting cease-fire.

“This crisis must end. At least the first step should be taken with a cease-fire,” he said.

“We are truly glad that they (Ukraine and Russia) have come to such an agreement. God willing, the negotiations for tomorrow will lead to a cease-fire.”

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian and Russian officials will meet for talks at a venue on the Belarusian border with Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” in Ukraine on Thursday, days after recognizing two separatist-held enclaves in eastern Ukraine. He claimed that Moscow had no plan to occupy its neighbor, but wanted to “demilitarize” and “denazify” Ukraine.

Western powers imposed financial sanctions on Moscow as a result and decided to supply Ukraine with weapons.

At least 368,000 Ukrainians have fled the country since the beginning of the attack, according to the UN Refugee Agency.