ID :
389421
Mon, 11/30/2015 - 03:35
Auther :

Malaysia Wants Turkey And Russia To Ensure Efforts Towards De-Escalation Of Tension

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia called upon Turkey and Russia to show restraint in the immediate aftermath of the downing of Russian Su-24 jetfighter and ensure efforts towards the de-escalation of tension between both sides. Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said Malaysia believes that both countries would be able to settle their differences and continue to pursue their main objectives, namely in destroying the IS or Daesh in Syria. "Malaysia is of course deeply concerned with the incident as both countries should cooperate rather than compete in addressing the conflict in Syria," he told Bernama in a written answer, here Sunday. Anifah was asked to comment on the recent tension between the two countries after the downing of a Russian jet fighter by Turkey last Tuesday near its territorial airspace. Asked about his views whether the tension might escalate to a new World War, Anifah was of the opinion that the incident itself may not provoke an armed conflict between Turkey and Russia. "While Turkey may invoke Article 5 of the NATO charter which compels member-states to its assistance, such an eventuality is remote, especially as Western leaders have called for the Turkish-Russian row to de-escalate," he said. Given the simultaneous military campaigns against the IS taking place in a relatively small area by several countries with differing views and contradicting interests, Anifah said it was indeed possible that the unfortunate incident could occur. Asked on the Malaysian Embassy's preparedness, he noted that all Embassies were well aware of the standard operating procedures in times of crisis. Anifah said 218 Malaysians have registered with the Embassy in Ankara, Turkey while 2,004 Malaysians residing in Russia have registered with the Malaysian Embassy in Moscow. He however said at the moment the ministry has not decided to come out with any order for them to move out from both countries. "However, we would like to advise Malaysians residing in the region to ensure that they have registered and updated their contact information with our Embassies," he added. -- BERNAMA

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