Türkiye to implement Montreux Convention due to war in Ukraine

Türkiye will implement all provisions of the Montreux Convention in a transparent manner as the situation in Ukraine constitutes a “war,” Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said.

The Dardanelles and Bosphorus straits will potentially be closed to Russian warships under conditions, which "constitute a war".

"Under these conditions, we will of course apply the Montreux Convention. In case of a war in which Türkiye is not a party, Türkiye can shut down the straits for countries that are involved in war. Article 19 of the Montreux Convention is explicit," Cavusoglu said.

Cavusoglu also underlined the exception highlighted in the convention, saying Türkiye did not have a say in the return of warships of warring states back to their ports or naval bases in home countries.

Stressing that the process should be transparent, Cavusoglu said Russian vessels bound to the bases in the Black Sea were currently present in the Mediterranean.

"Of course, there should not be any exploitation here. I mean, (these vessels) should not be involved in the war…We will implement all the provisions of Montreux in this way, in a transparent manner," he said.

READ MORE: What does the Montreux accord say about closing Black Sea access to Russia?

‘Need for a lasting cease-fire’   

After Moscow’s military intervention in Ukraine, Kyiv asked Ankara to close the Canakkale (Dardanelles) and Istanbul (Bosphorus) straits to Russian ships.

Speaking to news channel CNN Turk, Cavusoglu welcomed the upcoming talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials and emphasised the need for a lasting cease-fire.

“This crisis must end. At least the first step should be taken with a cease-fire,” he said.

“We are truly glad that they (Ukraine and Russia) have come to such an agreement. God willing, the negotiations for tomorrow will lead to a cease-fire.”

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian and Russian officials will meet for talks at a venue on the Belarusian border with Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” in Ukraine on Thursday, days after recognising two separatist-held enclaves in eastern Ukraine.

READ MORE: List of countries banning Russian planes from their air space grows