Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended Ramadan greetings to Muslims in Europe during an iftar in Cologne. He emphasized unity and peace, while Hulusi Akar highlighted Türkiye’s commitment to diplomacy amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The program also focused on the importance of the Turkish community in Germany and issues surrounding the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
On Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conveyed heartfelt Ramadan greetings to Turks and Muslims in Europe during an iftar event held in Cologne, Germany. The event was organized by the Union of International Democrats (UID) and Erdogan addressed attendees through a call facilitated by Hulusi Akar, the chair of the Turkish Parliament’s National Defense Committee.
In his address, President Erdogan expressed his hopes that Ramadan would usher in blessings and unity for the Muslim community as he prayed for peace and solidarity. Akar emphasized the importance of the Turkish community in Germany, acknowledging their contributions to both Türkiye’s and Germany’s progress.
He reiterated Ankara’s commitment to diplomacy and peaceful resolutions while affirming that Türkiye remains steadfast in defending its national rights and interests amidst ongoing global tensions. Akar also highlighted the necessity of addressing the conflicts in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine, criticizing the international community’s lack of response to Israeli actions and reaffirming Türkiye’s dedication to justice.
Additionally, Akar praised the resilience of Palestinians and declared any forced displacement from Gaza intolerable. The event was attended by Türkiye’s Consul General in Cologne, UID officials, and representatives from various organizations.
In relation to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Akar noted that the first phase of a ceasefire agreement, lasting six weeks, concluded in early March. However, Israel has delayed the initiation of the second phase, which was supposed to entail further prisoner exchanges with Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought to extend the ceasefire without adhering to the military and humanitarian obligations set in the agreement.
Despite the tensions, Hamas has reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire and has called upon mediators to ensure Israel’s compliance and advance the negotiations. The violence in Gaza has resulted in over 48,500 Palestinian deaths, predominantly involving women and children, since the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023, leaving the region in devastation.
In conclusion, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Ramadan greetings to the Turkish and Muslim communities in Europe highlighted themes of unity and peace. Through the iftar program in Cologne, the importance of the Turkish diaspora was recognized, alongside a commitment to addressing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The ongoing ceasefire negotiations underscore the complexities of the situation, emphasizing Türkiye’s role in advocating for justice and humanitarian concerns amidst significant unrest.
Original Source: www.yenisafak.com
