Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed that Hamas is a resistance movement struggling to defend its occupied territories and citizens and is not a terrorist organization.
Erdogan said, during a joint press conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis today in the Turkish capital, Ankara: ‘I do not see Hamas as a terrorist organization. On the contrary, I see it as people struggling to protect their land and people.’
Erdogan indicated that more than 1,000 Hamas members are receiving treatment in Turkish hospitals.
He stressed the need for “the international community, especially Western countries, to speak out loudly against the martyrdom of more than 35,000 innocent Palestinian civilians.
He added: “We will continue our diplomatic contacts with all determination to force Israel to cease fire, and we will continue to strive to enhance international recognition of Palestine.”
Erdogan stressed that “it is important to find a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem based on the
facts on the island, and such a step will enhance security and stability in the region.”
He said: “We look forward to the positive atmosphere in our relations with Athens contributing to meeting the rights of the Turkish minority in Greece.”
Regarding the fight against terrorism, Erdogan said: ‘Our agreement with Greece on combating terrorism is strengthening day after day, and we agree that there is no place for terrorist organizations in the future of the region.’
For his part, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that the atmosphere of understanding and relations between his country and Turkey is constantly evolving and positive.
He stressed that his country is determined to continue the positive development of bilateral relations since the fifth meeting of the High-Level Cooperation Council, which was held in Athens and was followed by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries.
Source: National Iraqi News Agency