Turkey may extend invitation to Syria's Bashar al-Assad: Erdogan
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Erdogan tells the press after his attendance at the SCO that along with the Russian President, an invitation may be extended to the Syrian President
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends the presentation ceremony of letters of confidence to newly appointed Ambassadors at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkey on September 27, 2023. (AFP)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hinted at a fresh diplomatic reconciliation push with Damascus, possibly inviting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to the country.
Following his return from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) conference in Kazakhstan, he told the media on Friday that along with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkey "may have an invitation to Bashar al-Assad."
Erdogan emphasized that the visit of both leaders "could be the beginning of a new process," emphasizing Syria's vital need for restoration and stability and highlighting the consequences of significant infrastructure destruction and societal turmoil.
He also stated that recent calm in the region may pave the way for such peace. "It is a problem that the instability in the region provides space for terrorist organizations, especially the PKK/PYD/YPG," he stated.
The elimination of these terrorist groups is critical for Syria's future, Erdogan stated, urging for the building of democratic foundations and inclusive peace initiatives based on the country's territorial integrity.
Erdogan expressed that Turkey would continue to "extend a hand of friendship" to its neighbor, adding that "all we ask is that Syria initiates this great embrace and achieves recovery in every aspect."
Regarding the recent targeting of Syrian businesses and properties in Kayseri, Erdogan stated that certain groups intend to use racism to destroy unity.
Turkey currently hosts 3.2 million Syrian refugees who have fallen victim to hate crimes and xenophobic violence, generally triggered by rumors spread on social media and instant messaging applications.
Putin has 'desire for peace'
Commenting on the war in Ukraine, Erdogan expressed that some Western governments were pushing a third world war to benefit weapons dealers.
He said Vladimir Putin has recently expressed a desire for peace, citing the Russian leader's words that the 2022 Istanbul accords are still "on the table" and may serve as a platform for peace talks with Ukraine.
He emphasized that peace needs considerable mediation efforts and confirmed that Turkey was committed to such efforts.
He hoped for a hasty resolution and divulged that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defense Minister Yasar Guler are closely following the situation.
Concerning the Black Sea grain corridor, Erdogan suggested creating a new food security corridor from Turkey to Africa and other vulnerable countries.
According to Erdogan, “This war benefits neither Russia nor Ukraine. The only winners of the war are the merchants of blood and death."
Erdogan emphasized Turkey's commitment to a more equitable global system, calling for adherence to international law and comprehensive counter-terrorism operations.
He also expressed hope that NATO's new Secretary-General Mark Rutte will support Turkey's interests and stated his plans to visit the country before beginning his post in October.
He underscored Turkey's continuous struggle against terrorism and expressed unhappiness with countries that, contrary to NATO's unity, have not fully backed Turkey and have even promoted terrorist groups.
Erdogan also discussed prospective military actions against the PKK, noting that choices would be based on changing regional circumstances.
Ankara would act in response to changing circumstances, the Turkish President added, citing recent attacks against PKK sites in Iraq and Syria as an example of Turkey's proactive anti-terrorist strategy.
Pressure needed from west for Gaza ceasefire
Discussing the onslaught on Gaza, the Turkish President stressed the importance of Western nations putting collective pressure on "Israel" to reach a ceasefire. He expressed hope that US President Joe Biden's intervention and Qatar's efforts will result in a long-term peace.
He stated that "Israel's" military buildup in the Greek Cypriot administration has not achieved its goals and emphasized the significance of avoiding acts that may escalate the situation further.
Sources disclosed to Al Mayadeen on Friday that the Chinese ambassador in Doha has conveyed to the Hamas leadership that President Mahmoud Abbas has approved the resumption of Palestinian national dialogue in Beijing.
The same sources also reported that Hamas has once again accepted China's invitation for another round of national Palestinian talks. Additionally, they indicated that the Fatah movement is seeking another meeting with the Hamas delegation before proceeding to expanded talks, while Hamas intends to build upon the outcomes of the previous talks.
Al Mayadeen's sources further stated that while no specific date has been set for the national dialogue in Beijing, 14 Palestinian factions are slated to participate.
Back in April, the two factions agreed during bilateral talks in Bejing on the importance of unifying the Palestinian position regarding the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, emphasizing the importance of a ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from the Strip.
