The Assad regime in neighboring Syria is illegitimate and far from promising any future for the country, Turkey‘s presidential spokesman said on Feb. 4. Hurriyet reports.
Following a Cabinet meeting in the presidential complex in Ankara, İbrahim Kalın said, “Turkish intelligence departments may sometimes have contacts with various regime elements in al-Hasakah and Qamishli, including Damascus [government], in the framework of Turkey‘s security and the overall safety of Turkish operations in Syria.”
But, he added: “This does not mean that Turkey recognizes the legitimacy of the [Syrian] regime.”
Kalın said Turkey would not allow any terror threats from east of the Euphrates River in Syria and also stressed the importance of the roadmap for stability in Manbij, northern Syria.
Turkey has promised a counter-terrorist operation in Syria, east of the Euphrates, following two similar successful operations since 2016.
“Immediate implementation of the Manbij roadmap without any delay is significant for U.S.-Turkey ties, regional safety, and the process in Syria,” Kalın said, adding that Turkey and Russia also agreed on the roadmap as agreed with the U.S.
Mentioning the Astana and Geneva process peace talks on Syria, Kalın vowed to continue efforts to provide safety and stability in Syria with respect for the country’s territorial integrity.