The UN welcomes the Russia-Ukraine talks held in Istanbul aimed toward advancing peace efforts between the 2 international locations, a spokesperson mentioned Friday.
“We welcome today’s talks, the first such direct negotiations in three years, including discussions on a potential ceasefire and large-scale exchange of prisoners of war,” Stephanie Tremblay mentioned at a news convention.
The UN famous the “important role” of Türkiye and the US, Tremblay mentioned.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan mentioned the extreme diplomatic talks, held underneath Türkiye’s facilitation, resulted in an settlement to trade 1,000 prisoners from either side as a confidence-building measure.
Fidan mentioned Ukrainian and Russian officers agreed in precept to satisfy once more for negotiations aimed toward reaching a ceasefire.
“We hope this process will lead to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, which would serve as a critical step towards creating the conditions for a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter international law and relevant UN resolutions,” Tremblay mentioned, including the UN stands able to assist “all meaningful efforts” to that finish.
When requested if any of the international locations demanded that the UN take part within the negotiations in Istanbul, Tremblay mentioned the UN just isn’t concerned within the talks that came about on Friday.
“That’s what I can confirm. So, there was no request,” she added.
Türkiye is continuous its efforts to finish the Russia-Ukraine battle, which started in February 2022.
Ankara has urged Kyiv and Moscow to finish the combating by negotiations, with Türkiye prepared for any initiative, together with mediation, to put the groundwork for peace.
Türkiye first hosted a gathering between the Russian and Ukrainian overseas ministers within the Mediterranean metropolis of Antalya in March 2022.
Those efforts led to the landmark Black Sea grain deal, signed in July 2022 in Istanbul by Türkiye, the UN, Russia, and Ukraine, to renew grain exports from Ukrainian ports halted because of the battle. However, Moscow didn’t lengthen the settlement after July 2023, citing restrictions on Russian grain exports.
Source: www.anews.com.tr