Belarusian Leader Calls On Turkey, Russia To Compromise

Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka on December 12 called on Russia and Turkey to compromise and overcome the crisis in their relations.

"Mistakes in this turbulent world are inevitable, and they should be not inflated but settled," he said at a gathering of regional leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.

"If you make a mistake, you should acknowledge it and find the strength to make concessions and compromises to smooth over the situation," he said.

Moscow and Ankara are in the midst of a major spat caused by Turkey's November 24 downing of a Russian bomber along the Syrian border.

Russia has introduced a slew of economic sanctions to punish Turkey.

Lukashenka said the two nations should "stop inflaming passions and find an opportunity to make at least half a step in each other's direction."

His remarks were seconded by Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev, who was also present at the gathering.

Erdogan addressed the group on December 12, but made no reference to relations with Russia.

Based on reporting by AP and Interfax