Scholz and Erdogan call for ceasefire in Ukraine

Ankara, March 14, (dpa/GNA) – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have jointly called for a ceasefire in the Russian war in Ukraine.

“We are in complete agreement that there must be a ceasefire as soon as possible,” Scholz said during his inaugural visit to Turkey as chancellor. There must also be safe corridors for civilians immediately, he added.

Erdogan stressed: “We will steadfastly continue the efforts for a permanent ceasefire.” He said they agreed that diplomatic efforts must continue.

Together, Scholz and Erdogan appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin: “Stop for a moment.” It was clear, Scholz said, “with every day, with every bomb, Russia is removing itself more from the circle of the world community we form together.” The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine is beyond question, he added

GNA