UPDATE - Kremlin rejects accusations by Turkish presidential candidate of meddling in upcoming polls

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS BY PESKOV, MINOR CHANGES

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) – The Kremlin on Friday rejected accusations against Russia by Turkish opposition presidential candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who alleged that Moscow was interfering in Türkiye's upcoming elections.

There can be no question of any interference of Russia in the elections, and "those who spread such rumors are liars," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said at a press briefing in Moscow.

"I do not know what was the reason for such appeals. We strongly reject such statements, we officially declare that there can be no question of any intervention. If someone provided Mr. Kilicdaroglu with such information, then they are liars, if we call a spade a spade," he stressed.

Russia values ties with Türkiye because it takes "a very responsible, sovereign and thoughtful position" on regional and global issues, Peskov added.

"This position is very sympathetic to us. And a country that highly values bilateral relations will not do anything against its partner," he said.

Kilicdaroglu, the leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and candidate for the Nation Alliance, on Thursday accused Russia of being behind video content allegedly discrediting candidates for the presidency in the May 14 elections.

"Dear Russian friends, you are behind the montages, conspiracies, deep fake content and tapes that were exposed in this country yesterday.

"If you want our friendship to continue after May 15, get your hands off the Turkish state. We are still in favor of cooperation and friendship," Kilicdaroglu said on Twitter.

His remarks came hours after Muharrem Ince, another opposition presidential candidate and head of the Homeland Party, announced his withdrawal from Sunday's presidential race.

Ince was one of four candidates for the presidency, along with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is seeking reelection, Kilicdaroglu, and Sinan Ogan of the ATA Alliance.

On Sunday, Türkiye will go to polls to vote in parliamentary and presidential elections.

*Diyar Guldogan contributed to this story from Ankara.