Putin, Erdoğan call for de-escalation of tensions in East Jerusalem

Russian President Putin and Turkish President Erdoğan have discussed the recent clashes in East Jerusalem, with both leaders calling for de-escalation of tensions. "Putin and Erdoğan called for peaceful regulation of arising disputes," the Kremlin said.

Wednesday May 12 2021 03:01 pm

The mother of Palestinian Rasheed Abu Arra, who was killed during clashes with Israeli forces, mourns her son alongside other women, during his funeral in the town of Aqqaba near Tubas, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, May 12, 2021.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have exchanged opinions about the aggravation of the situation in East Jerusalem, calling on the sides to de-escalate the existing tensions and to launch the process of peaceful regulation.

"They [Putin and Erdoğan] held a substantive exchange of opinions in relation to the aggravation of the situation in East Jerusalem. They expressed serious concern over the ongoing clashes and the rising number of victims and injured persons. Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on the sides to de-escalate tensions and called for peaceful regulation of arising disputes," TASS cited Kremlin as saying on May 12.

The Kremlin informed that during the talks between both leaders, Russia and Turkey expressed their principled stance in support of a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on the generally recognized international and legal norms. They also highlighted the special role of the Middle East Quartet - Russia, the EU, the UN and the U.S. - in aiding the negotiation process.

Tensions have been running high in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem since last week, when an Israeli court ordered the eviction of Palestinian families, which was later delayed.

Palestinians protesting in solidarity with residents of Sheikh Jarrah have been targeted by Israeli forces.

The escalation resulted in airstrikes by Israel on Gaza, which has left scores of people dead, including minors, and hundreds of others wounded.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and annexed the entire city in 1980 – a move that has never been recognized by the international community.

Russia ready to deliver Sputnik V vaccine to Turkey

Separately, Putin said that Moscow is ready to supply the Sputnik V vaccine to Turkey.

"The sides continued the discussion on the current situation and the prospects of cooperation in battling the coronavirus pandemic. Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia’s readiness to ensure the Sputnik V vaccine’s supplies to Turkey. In the coming days, a Turkish delegation will arrive in Moscow to discuss this issue," the Kremlin said.

Putin also sent his best wishes to Erdoğan and the Turkish people on the occasion of the upcoming conclusion of the Holy month of Ramadan, according to the Kremlin press service. The leaders also agreed to continue regular bilateral dialogue at various levels.