In connection with the armed attack at the Santa Maria Church in Istanbul that resulted in one fatality, a court on duty has arrested 25 suspects, including the two attackers. The incident occurred during the Sunday mass when two masked individuals opened fire, leading to the death of 52-year-old Tuncer Cihan. Operations were conducted, resulting in the detention of 60 suspects, with 26 facing deportation procedures. After testimony and legal processes, 25 suspects, including the attackers, were arrested and sent to prison, while 9 were released under judicial control. The charges include ‘being a member of an armed terrorist organization’ and ‘premeditated murder’.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the recent peace talks in Istanbul have brought a new dimension to diplomatic efforts on Ukraine and proposed a leaders’ summit hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. “A summit with leaders from Russia, Ukraine, and the US could help achieve a long-term ceasefire,” he said.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Kyiv with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating that President Erdoğan has been working actively since the war began. He added that talks in Istanbul on May 16 led to concrete results, including a prisoner swap.
Fidan shared insights from his prior visit to Moscow and said Russia is open to further talks on June 2. He stressed the importance of continuing momentum and involving international actors to build common ground for peace.
Fidan is also scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Andriy Yermak, Rustem Umerov, and representatives of the Crimean Tatar and Gagauz Turkish communities.
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