Ankara will support a united Syria: Erdogan outlines “red lines”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made an appeal after a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held at the presidential complex Beshtepe in Ankaratouching upon, among other things, the situation in Syria.

After summing up the government’s work over the past year and indirectly criticizing the opposition, Erdogan moved on to the Syrian issuemaking Ankara’s position very clear.

“Every development in Syria, with which we share a common history, culture and 1,400-year-old civilizational heritage, directly and deeply affects us,” – he said.

According to the Turkish leader, Ankara is working to “climate of freedom” that arose after the events of December 8transformed into sustainable peace, stability and security.

“We are firmly convinced that a united and territorially integral Syria is necessary for the entire region.”Erdogan emphasized, adding that Syria belongs Arabs, Turkmens and Kurds.

He specifically noted that any attempts to undermine this process are unacceptablestating that Türkiye remains brotherly, neighboring and friendly country for the Syrian people.

“The principle of “one state, one army” is fundamental to the unity and integrity of Syria. Every step that strengthens this principle has and will have the support of Turkey.”said the president.

Kurdish factor and SDF agreement

Erdogan also commented ceasefire agreementsigned by the leader Kurdish SDF Mazlum Abdi with the interim president of Syria Ahmed al-Sharaa.

“With the exception of a small group seeking to create a state within a state, the Syrian people appear to be satisfied with the agreement reached.”he noted.

According to Erdogan, military operation to liberate certain areas of Aleppowhich began last week, ended with a ceasefire and an agreement on full integration.

He especially emphasized that actions of the Syrian army were distinguished by restraint and maximum caution to prevent civilian casualties.

“The Syrian army has passed a critical test by avoiding steps that would have turned it from the right side to the wrong side.”said the Turkish leader.

According to him, the priority of negotiations allowed the Syrian leadership solve a chronic problem at minimal cost.

Contacts between Ankara and Damascus

Erdogan said that had a telephone conversation with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, calling him “dear brother.”

“We conveyed our congratulations on the agreement reached and the operation carried out”he noted.

In conclusion, the Turkish President emphasized that Ankara will continue to support Syria in the fight against terrorismespecially against ISIS*.

“We did not abandon the Syrian people yesterday and, with God’s help, we will not abandon them tomorrow.”Erdogan said.

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