President Erdoğan performs Friday prayers at Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan performed Friday prayers, led by Imam and Khatib of al-Aqsa Mosque Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque.
Following the prayers, President Erdoğan answered reporters’ questions.
“I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH GETTING VACCINATED”
In answer to a question as to whether Turkey would opt for vaccines developed by a Turkish couple in Germany and approved for use by the UK, President Erdoğan pointed out that various options exist for vaccine. Noting that he spoke in person with Uğur Şahin, the Turkish doctor who developed the vaccine in Germany, President Erdoğan stated that talks continue also with China and Russia on the issue.
President Erdoğan said: “I have no problem with getting vaccinated because it is health that is in question hear and when it is about health, we need to do whatever it takes to protect our health. What is more, we have to take this step about the COVID-19 so as to set an example for our citizens.”
“THE MINSK IS A MEDIATION GROUP”
In response to a question about the French National Assembly’s resolution calling on the French government to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent republic, President Erdoğan stated that the Minsk is a mediation group but that France has lost its status as a mediator.
Underlining that the French Parliament’s resolution is of an advisory character, President Erdoğan went on to say: “Macron is a trouble for France. With Macron, France is going through a highly dangerous period. I hope that France will get rid of the Macron trouble as soon as possible otherwise it will not be able to get rid of the Yellow Vents. The Yellow Vents might later become red vents. It is faced with such a trouble. We will also see what their decision will be as the leadership. Some of the ministers have already objected to this resolution as you know.”
Recalling Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s remarks for France which said, “if they like the Armenians this much, may they give Marseille to the Armenians,” President Erdoğan stated: “I give them the same advice. May they give Marseille to the Armenians if they love them so much. As simple as that.”
“KARABAKH BELONGS TO OUR AZERBAIJANI BROTHERS AND SISTERS”
“Karabakh belongs to our Azerbaijani brothers and sisters,” President Erdoğan underscored, further stressing that France has recently been pursuing a different course even though it is acknowledged by the U.S., Russia and France itself that Karabakh has been under occupation for 28 years.”
“Our Azerbaijani brothers and sisters took matters into their own hands and the current situation took shape. We hope it will be auspicious. I will hopefully attend the ceremonies there on Tuesday with my wife,” the President added.
