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- NO:144 - 10 Augus 2008, Press Release Regarding the Telephone conversation of Foreign Minister Ali Babacan
NO:144 - 10 Augus 2008, Press Release Regarding the Telephone conversation of Foreign Minister Ali Babacan
Foreign Minister Ali Babacan held a telephone conversation with Georgian Foreign Minister Eka Tkeshelashvili at 01:30 am local time on 10 August 2008.
Mr. Babacan, has also held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today at 14:30 local time.
During conversation, Foreign Minister Babacan expressed his concern over the escalation of the conflict in the South Ossetian region of Georgia, and emphasized that the clashes which have already deteriorated the situation on the ground pose a serious threat to the peace and stability in the South Caucasus. Mr. Babacan expressed his regrets about the clashes which caused casualties among civilian population, and confirmed that Turkey is ready to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the ongoing armed clashes.
Foreign Minister Babacan reminded that Turkey has already called on the parties to cease hostilities, exercise restraint and engage in direct talks in order to reach a lasting solution to the conflict. In this context, Mr. Babacan has underlined the importance of the preservation of territorial integrity and political unity of Georgia.
During telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, Minister Babacan has also raised the issue of four Turkish journalists in South Ossetia, one of whom is wounded. Minister Lavrov has expressed his readiness to provide assistance in this matter.
Minister Babacan has agreed to remain to be in close contact concerning the developments with both Ministers.