Turkey could close Bosphorus for Russian Ships if there is violence against Crimean Tatars

Turkey could close the Bosphorus for Russian ships, if there is violence against Crimean Tatars, said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan.

In a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Erdogan also said that Turkey does not recognize the referendum in the Crimea, in which 97% of voters voted in favor of the accession of Russian Federation.

“Turkey wants Ukraine to maintain its territorial integrity,” said Erdogan. “If NATO decides on the issue, we will certainly stay with her.”