Syria: Turkey’s Erdogan Seeks Support For Displaced War Victims
2 years ago 2 min read
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Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan, has called for an inclusive administration in Syria two weeks after former President, Bashir al-Assad, was ousted by rebels.
Erdogan also urged the European Union to support the return of Syrian refugees who fled during the country’s 13-year civil war.
“We expect the European Union to support returns to Syria,” he said.
Al-Assad was deposed on December 8, bringing to an end to a 24-year regime and opening the door for a political change in the country.
Mohammed al-Bashir, backed by the rebel groups who overthrew al-Assad on December 10, declared himself the country’s interim prime minister and is expected to lead the interim government until March 1.
“We have seen that we agree on the establishment of an inclusive administration in Syria,” Erdogan said during a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Ankara.
Western countries have been gradually opening channels to the new authorities in Damascus, now led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) which is still classified as a terrorist organisation.
Erdogan reiterated that there was no place for terrorist organisations in the region, specifically mentioning Islamic State and Kurdish militant groups.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has previously underlined the significance of an inclusive transition process in Syria.
