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Turkey opposes presence of landlocked countries’ ships in Black Sea — Defense Ministry

It was noted that there are currently no landlocked countries’ warships in the Black Sea

ANKARA, April 25. /TASS/. Turkey considers the presence of landlocked countries’ warships, especially those of NATO, in the Black Sea basin during the Ukrainian crisis, in terms of regional balances, inappropriate, the Hurriyet newspaper reported on Monday, quoting Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar.

"We want to ensure that the principle of regional ownership is not violated, that the relevant rights of coastal countries are not violated. If balances are tilted here, there is a high probability of events spiraling out of control. We don't want to plunge the Black Sea into an atmosphere of competition," Akar told the newspaper.

He said the entry and exit of Turkish NATO allies' warships into the Black Sea would create "heightened sensitivity." "We have certain proposals for maintaining stability in the Black Sea. We urge: don't worry, don't panic, panic may arise on the other side as well. <...> Let us not give reason for misunderstanding by actions that can be perceived by the other side as incitement," Akar noted.

He also said that there are currently no landlocked countries’ warships in the Black Sea.

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