Erdogan accuses the West of double standards: They condemned Iran’s attack and remained silent when its consulate was targeted
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Western countries of double standards, criticizing their statements condemning Tehran for its attack on Israel last weekend, while they remained silent when Israel carried out its attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1.
In a televised interview that came after the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Erdogan announced his government’s intention to continue diplomatic efforts to calm the situation in the region.
Erdogan pointed out that “Israel’s targeting of the Iranian mission in Damascus in violation of international laws and the Vienna Convention was the last drop”.
He added, “With the exception of a few countries, no one reacted to the aggressive Israeli position that trampled international practices”.
The Turkish President stressed that “those who remained silent regarding the Israeli aggressive stance immediately rushed to condemn the Iranian response”.
Erdogan held Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu primarily responsible for the tensions in the region, adding, “We believe that any statement that does not acknowledge this fact will not benefit efforts to reduce tension”.
Erdogan also accused Netanyahu of escalating tensions in order to prolong his political career and his presence in power.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has made phone calls with his Iranian, US and British counterparts, as well as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres since the attack occurred on Sunday morning.
