'Grave situation in Ukraine has major impact on entire Euro-Atlantic security'

By Nazli Yuzbasioglu

ANKARA (AA) - Commenting on the situation in Ukraine, the Romanian envoy in Ankara said he is "horrified by the tragic loss of life and devastating human suffering caused by this unprovoked and illegal war."

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Ambassador Stefan Tinca said: "The grave situation in Ukraine has a major impact in the region and on the entire Euro-Atlantic security and will have long term consequences."

On behalf of his country, Tinca "strongly" condemned "the unprovoked aggression by Russia against Ukraine, which is a blatant violation of international law and of the basic principles that underpin the rules-based international order."

"We will continue to support the sovereignty of Ukraine and its territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders," he added.

Regarding the role of international and regional platforms in de-escalation, Tinca said: "The reaction of the international democratic community in condemning and sanctioning the behavior of Russia has been firm and united."

He hailed the position of the EU, NATO, and other UN members, saying that they "have reacted in the only possible way faced with this aggression".

"Democracies around the world have warned Russia that aggression will come with huge costs," the Romanian envoy said while noting that "these costs are tangible and painful."

Citing the "large-scale sanctions" against Russia by various countries, the diplomat noted that "Euro-Atlantic solidarity has led NATO allies to take measures to enhance security on the Eastern Flank, including by increasing the military presence of allies in countries like my own (Romania)."

"NATO will continue to take all necessary measures to protect allies," he added.

Tinca also said, "on the role of regional platforms, unfortunately, even regional cooperation enthusiasts have to admit that they are frozen. They can simply no longer function under these circumstances."

On cooperation between Turkiye and Romania, Ambassador Tince said the two countries "have taken immediate steps to cooperate in terms of the humanitarian situation in Ukraine."

Saying that Romania's first important measure was to exempt foreign nationals arriving from Ukraine from visa and COVID-related requirements, he said that such a move eased the passage of the foreign nationals via the Romanian land border checkpoints and allowed for thousands of people to return to their home countries by using the Romanian international airports, railway, transport infrastructure.

"Second, Romania is ready to act as a distribution hub for the humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, given its position as a neighbouring state with the longest border with Ukraine," he added.

Noting that both Turkiye and Romania have organized humanitarian transports of life supplies and medical equipment to Ukraine, Tinca assured the two countries will continue to do so, "this is a security situation that has only begun to unfold."

Citing the Romanian government's decision to host up to half a million refugees from Ukraine, Tinc said: "Almost 90,000 Ukrainian nationals, out of which around half have only transited Romania and have already departed our territory" since the start of the war.

"We have received several thousands of asylum requests, which are being addressed according to the Romanian asylum legislation," the ambassador added.

"Romania is providing these unfortunate people with shelter, basic comfort and, most important, Romanians are providing them with lots of affection and human warmth," he said.

On cooperation between Turkiye and Romania regarding evacuations, the Romanian ambassador gave data from the Turkish Embassy in Bucharest saying that "since the beginning of the conflict, between 8,000 and 10,000 Turkish citizens have been entered Romania from Ukraine."

"Romanian consular and border authorities are providing all the needed support to the Turkish diplomatic missions in Romania to manage this process smoothly and efficiently and prevent loss of innocent lives," he said.

He also hailed the cooperation history between the two countries as Tinca noted that "Romania and Turkey have already a history of cooperation on such humanitarian matters, as it was the case several years ago when my country has repatriated a large number of fellow Romanians from Syria through Turkey, with good cooperation from the Turkish authorities."