Erdogan and Putin discuss Syria's future amid rising tensions
The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, conversed over the phone about the escalating conflict in Syria.
Erdogan emphasised that Turkey supports Syria's territorial integrity and is committed to achieving a fair and lasting resolution to the conflict. The statement noted that the Turkish president highlighted the necessity of expanding diplomatic efforts in the region and involving Syrian authorities in the political resolution process.
"Stating that Türkiye is working for a fair and lasting solution in Syria while also continuing to support Syria’s territorial integrity, President Erdoğan highlighted the importance of making more room for diplomacy in the region, and underscored that the Syrian regime should engage in the political solution process," the statement said.
Erdogan also noted that Turkey will continue to take decisive actions against "the terrorist organization PKK and its extensions, who are trying to take advantage of the recent developments in Syria."
Meanwhile, President Putin, as reported by the Barron's agency, underscored the need for a swift end to "terrorist aggression" in Syria and expressed full support for the legitimate authorities' efforts to restore stability and constitutional order.
Situation in Syria
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), since Wednesday, at least 514 people, including 91 civilians, have died in clashes between Islamist rebels and Syrian government forces. The regime of Bashar al-Assad is backed by Russia and Iran.
Islamist rebels initiated an offensive against government forces, capturing areas including Aleppo. Prior to the offensive, they controlled the majority of Idlib province. Rebel groups supported by Turkey, which control northwest Syria, are also participating in battles with government forces.
