Erdogan criticizes Biden over Ukraine and Gaza at NATO summit
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a sharp rebuke of US President Joe Biden and NATO allies, accusing them of exacerbating conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Erdogan’s comments, made ahead of his participation in a NATO summit in Washington, highlight the growing rift within the alliance.
Biden’s Complicity in Gaza Atrocities:
Erdogan condemned the Biden administration for supporting Israel’s military operations in Gaza. “Israel’s brutal killing of innocent people in hospitals, markets and humanitarian centers is the gravest violation of human rights. The US administration ignores these violations and supports Israel, becoming complicit in these atrocities,” he said.
Erdogan also criticized NATO allies for their stance on the Ukraine conflict. Erdogan asserted that “Western allies have fanned the flames of war in Ukraine.” He said that we believe that the solution lies in dialogue and diplomacy, not in more bloodshed,” he added.
Turkey’s unique geopolitical location:
As NATO’s second-largest military power and a country straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey occupies a unique geopolitical position. Erdogan has stressed Turkey’s importance within NATO while calling for diverse international relations, including stronger ties with non-Western powers such as China and Russia. “We do not see interaction with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS or the European Union as incompatible with our NATO membership,” Erdogan said.
Relations with Putin and Biden:
Erdogan has described his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin as one built on principled diplomacy, despite disagreements. “We are able to discuss things and delve into the details of resolving them,” Erdogan said. In contrast, his relationship with Biden has been marked by tensions over issues such as the Gulen movement and U.S. support for Kurdish forces in Syria. “We have different views on many issues, but we remain loyal and strive to strengthen our friendship,” Erdogan said.
Concerns over the growing influence of the far right in Europe:
Erdogan expressed his dismay at the rise of far-right political forces in Europe, warning that such trends threaten European integration and democracy. Erdogan warned that “racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia can never be justified. These methods undermine the values established by European politicians themselves.”
Türkiye’s position on the conflict in Gaza:
Erdogan has strongly opposed Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as state terrorism. He added that “Israel’s deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure and settlers’ usurpation of Palestinian homes are a clear violation of international law.” Erdogan called for an immediate ceasefire, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the implementation of a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders to achieve lasting peace. Erdogan’s office did not respond to follow-up questions about his views on Biden’s physical and mental health after their interaction at the NATO summit.
