2 hrs ago
Turkey Proposes Black Sea Deal to Protect Civilian Ships
Turkey wants Russia and Ukraine to stop attacking civilian ships in the Black Sea.
It has sent both countries a draft plan for doing this.
Many Turkish-owned ships have reportedly been damaged since late June.
Two of the ships mentioned are called Lider Bordo Mavi and Lider Kocatepe.
Turkey previously asked for a pause in attacks on August 8.
The new idea is based partly on an earlier agreement that helped Ukrainian grain ships travel safely.
Russia later left that agreement.
Turkey is also considering routes near Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia, and Turkey.
The goal is to make shipping safer during the war.
Turkey has shared a draft memorandum with Russia and Ukraine to stop attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea.
Up to 25 Turkish-owned vessels, including four flying the Turkish flag, have reportedly been hit since late June.
The proposal follows attacks on the Turkish-owned Lider Bordo Mavi and Lider Kocatepe near Russia’s coast.
Turkey’s plan draws on the 2022 grain corridor deal brokered by Turkey and the United Nations.
Suggested routes would use international waters gaps or territorial waters near Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia, and Turkey.
- Who
- Turkey, Russia, and Ukraine are involved; Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are also mentioned.
- What
- Turkey has proposed a draft memorandum to halt attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea.
- Where
- The proposed arrangements concern the Black Sea, including routes near Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia, and Turkey.
- When
- The proposal was reported on a Thursday after attacks increased in recent months; Fidan called for a moratorium on August 8.
- Why
- The plan aims to protect commercial shipping and prevent further attacks on civilian vessels.
Key facts
- Proposal
- Turkey shared a draft memorandum with Russia and Ukraine.
- Reported damage
- As many as 25 Turkish-owned vessels have been hit since late June, including four under the Turkish flag.
- Recent incidents
- The Lider Bordo Mavi and Lider Kocatepe were attacked near Russia’s coast.
- Earlier appeal
- Hakan Fidan called for a moratorium on attacks against civilian vessels on August 8.
- Model for proposal
- The plan was inspired by the 2022 Turkey-United Nations grain corridor agreement.
- Possible routes
- Options include a route near Romania and Bulgaria or routes along Georgia’s and Turkey’s coasts.
Quotes
A Turkish diplomat
Unnamed Turkish diplomat quoted by AFP regarding Ankara’s proposal.
“We have shared a text of a memorandum, a draft text, with the Russians and the Ukrainians to come up with a solution to those strikes taking place in the Black Sea”
firstpost.com
“We want to use the territorial waters of the adjacent states, including Turkey - and Georgia, if they are willing to take part”
firstpost.com
Sources
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