Turkiye rejects ‘unfounded allegations’ by Arab League

ANKARA – Turkiye has rejected the “unfounded allegations” levelled by Arab League against Ankara.

“We totally reject the unfounded allegations towards Turkiye contained in some of the resolutions and the communique adopted at the Council of Foreign Ministers meeting of the Arab League held on 9 March 2022,” a Foreign Ministry statement said.

“It is obvious that these obsolete and malicious approaches, which are not compatible with the realities and the dynamics of the region, do not contribute to the solution of the problems in the Arab geography,” the statement added.

Noting that Turkiye “executes its fight against threats to its national security and interests within the framework of the principles and norms of international law,” the ministry stressed: “There is no doubt or question about this.”

“All these efforts of Turkiye are also aimed at safeguarding the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political unity of the Arab countries,” the ministry added.

It said: “As a matter of fact, today, Turkiye’s place in the hearts of friendly and brotherly Arab peoples is apparent.

“The Arab League is expected to reflect the will of the noble people represented by this organization, rather than being an instrument for the individual agendas of some of its members.”

“Member states that continue to object or to make reservations on the aforementioned resolutions are aware of our contributions and are conscious of the importance of cooperation with our country,” the ministry said.

“Turkiye stands ready to work with all Arab League member states that demonstrate the desire and will to cooperate through a positive agenda and common sense, with a view to establishing lasting stability and prosperity in the region,” it added.

The Arab League had accused Turkiye of ‘regional interference’ to pursue its own national security interests.

The league called on Turkey to withdraw all of its military forces from the region and to “stop supporting extremist organisations and militias.” Although it was not specified which organisations and militias the statement was referring to, it was likely to be a reference to Ankara’s support for Syrian opposition groups who have been fighting the regime of Bashar Al-Assad over the past decade.