Havana, Apr 26 (Prensa Latina) Turkey’s ambassador in Havana, Berris Ekinci, expressed today the rejection of her country to the US sanctions against Cuba and others such as Venezuela and Iran.
In response to a question from Prensa Latina, Ekinci assured that Turkey is opposed to all types of unilateral and extraterritorial measures, especially the application of the Helms-Burton Law against Cuba.
Recently, the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, announced that the administration of Donald Trump will apply, from May 2, the Title III of that regulation, approved in 1996, which will intensify the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed for almost 60 years to this nation.
This section allows US citizens to bring to court persons or companies from third countries that invest in Cuban territory on nationalized properties after the triumph of the Revolution on January 1, 1959.
So far, Trump’s predecessors, since William Clinton (1993-2001), avoided its implementation with suspensions that were extended every six months.
The head of the Turkish diplomatic mission in Havana recalled that most of the States worldwide are in disagreement with such White House’s decision, which is reflected in statements issued by various governments.
Ekinci also expressed Ankara’s condemnation of the US onslaught on Iranian oil exports, which greatly affects her country.
‘We prefer Iranian oil for many reasons, especially because of the technical characteristics of our refineries. In addition, we maintain very good relations with Tehran. We believe that these sanctions are harming the peoples,’ she pointed out.
On the other hand, she reiterated Turkey’s condemnation of US interference in Venezuela and advocated respect for the sovereignty and political independence of that South American State.
We recognize Nicolas Maduro as the legitimate President of Venezuela, she affirmed and stressed the importance of a peaceful solution to the situation in that country.
Likewise, she let clear the willingness of Ankara to contribute to such purpose.
‘We think that using methods to exclude dialogue and negotiation will have dangerous consequences for Venezuela and the entire region. Any initiative must be carried out in an inclusive manner, involving the Venezuelan government in the process,’ she underscored.
In addition, she urged to avoid acts of intervention and imposition and to seek ‘a sustainable solution, based on the Constitution and Venezuelan laws.’
The Turkish ambassador also criticized Washington’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the supposed sovereignty of that nation over the Golan Heights, a Syrian territory occupied since 1967.
‘That last decision is completely null and void in Turkey. Both measures represent a clear violation of International Law and the resolutions of the United Nations Organization,’she concluded.
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