Turkey says Qatar crisis harms Islamic world, working for resolution

Turkey is working to resolve the Qatar crisis through diplomacy, as the row is destructive for the Islamic world, said Presidential spokesman İbrahim Kalın on Wednesday.

Kalın said that Turkey would continue to send food aid to Qatar after neighboring Gulf states cut ties with Doha and imposed sanctions.

“Discussions are being planned with the relevant countries’ leaders. There may be a meeting with Trump in the coming days,” Kalın said.

Turkey has said it stood with Qatar against sanctions and urged Saudi Arabia to take the lead in finding a solution to the crisis.

“I must state that there is a very special role Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has the ability to solve this crisis as the most important actor in the region, both as a state and as a brother,” Kalın said.

Turkish government officials have been pushing for a peaceful solution to the Qatar row.

“The Turkish military base in Qatar was established to ensure regional security and does not foster the aim of taking military action against any country,” Kalın said.

Kalın commented on the military offensive launched by the US jointly with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and other armed groups.

“Our main concerns about Raqqah continue. We are trying to maintain good intentions, but we have difficulty in understanding why the US is so connected to a terrorist organization,” said Kalın.

The presidential spokesman added that Turkey would send 15 tons of aid to Gaza, Palestine, for Eid al-Fitr, a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.

The ship is expected to leave Turkey on the weekend.

Turkish opposition parties recently submitted their feedback on the report of the parliamentary committee on the July 15 coup investigation, describing it as a controlled coup.

“Claiming that it was a controlled coup is an act of support of the putschists. The FETÖ affiliates who caused this, regardless of where they are, will be punished. There is no doubt about this,” Kalın said.

July 15 will mark the first anniversary of the coup attempt perpetrated by FETÖ, and Kalın announced that commemorations were being organized across the country.

“Various activities are being prepared between July 10 and 16 for the anniversary of July 15. Of course, these activities will be worthy of the memory of our martyrs,” said Kalın.

“A memorial will be held for martyrs in Istanbul and Ankara and the opening of these will take place with the participation of our President.”