Davutoglu accuses Russia of supporting Armenian occupation of Azerbaijan

He made the remarks at a press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Arseniy Yatsenyuk in Kiev.

 

During the conference aired on several Ukrainian TV channels, the two prime ministers lashed out at Russian policy.

 

Davutoglu accused Russia of violating international law.  

 

"Russia is in the invader position in three countries — Ukraine, Georgia and Syria. Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijan lands also took place with Russian support,” said the Turkish PM.

 

According to Davutoglu, had the international community given proper reaction to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Russia would not have dared to intervene in Syria.

 

"Today we are in a common position with Ukraine regarding Russia’s aggressive policy against Ukraine and now against Syria. Apart from being a neighbor country, Ukraine is also a strategic ally of ours,” he stressed.  

 

Davutoglu said Turkey recognizes the territorial integrity of Ukraine and rejects the annexation of Crimea, which is home to Crimean tatars. "We are pleased to defend the rights of the tatars who were expelled from their lands in 1944. Crimea is part of Ukraine,” he noted.

 

Davutoglu said that a large number of women and children were killed as a result of Russian bombing in Syria.  

 

Recalling what the USSR faced in Afghanistan, he said a similar fate is awaiting Russia in Syria. "We want to tell the Russian authorities that the time of the Soviet Union has already passed. This happened 25 years ago. Attempts to revive the USSR will not yield positive results for Russia,” Davutoglu concluded.