Erdogan: We call on all influential actors to take responsibility for establishing peace

(Patria) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on all influential actors in the region to make serious efforts for peace in the Middle East amid escalating tensions between Israel and Palestine.

We call on all influential actors in the region to take responsibility for establishing peace, acting on the principle that there are no losers in a just peace – Erdogan said at a press conference after a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Ankara.

Erdogan stated that any step that could escalate tensions, cause more bloodshed, or worsen problems in the region must be avoided.

Adding fuel to the fire, targeting civilians and civilian settlements will not benefit anyone – Erdogan said and asked where human rights are at these moments when there is no water and electricity supply in Gaza.

Emphasizing that Turkey is currently making efforts to find a way to mediate between Israel and Palestine, Erdogan stressed that Turkey's desire is for the conflict to end as soon as possible.

Turkish President Erdogan said that he will soon hold separate talks on regional issues with Russian President Vladimir Putin and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He added that he continues talks with leaders of Gulf countries as well.

In the context of his meeting today with Austrian Chancellor Nehammer, Erdogan said that Turkey and Austria want to improve bilateral relations.

Erdogan also said that Nehammer's visit to Ankara was historic because it was the first at the chancellor level in the past 22 years. He added that he expects closer cooperation from Austria in the fight against terrorism.

Regarding Turkey's accession process to the European Union, Erdogan said that it is known that Ankara is sincere in improving their mutual relations.

Europe's integration will be completed only with Turkey's full membership in the European Union. We will not accept any alternative other than full membership – Erdogan emphasized.