Turkey to invite Syrian President al-Assad 'at any moment': Erdogan
3 Min Read
Addressing journalists, Erdogan mentioned that some leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, have proposed a meeting with Assad in Turkey.
-
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan waves prior the start of the quarterfinal match between the Netherlands and Turkey at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, July 6, 2024 (AP)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday hinted at the possibility of inviting Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad to Turkey "at any moment," suggesting a potential thaw in relations following the severance of ties between Ankara and Damascus due to the 2011 war.
"We may send an invitation (to Assad) at any moment," Erdogan told reporters.
Turkey previously sought to overthrow President al-Assad's government when the war broke out in 2011. But after supporting several Western-backed groups, Ankara has recently redirected its efforts towards preventing what Erdogan referred to in 2019 as the creation of a "terror corridor" in northern Syria.
Erdogan has long said he could reconsider ties with al-Assad.
Addressing journalists, Erdogan mentioned that some leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, have proposed a meeting with Assad in Turkey.
"Now we have come to such a point that as soon as Bashar al-Assad takes a step towards improving relations with Turkey, we will show him the same approach," Erdogan said.
Read more: Turkey may extend invitation to Syria's Bashar al-Assad: Erdogan
Erdogan's remarks follow escalating tensions over the past week regarding Syrian refugees in Turkey.
On July 1st, 67 people were arrested by Turkish police after a mob spurred violence in the country's Syrian community after a Syrian man was accused of harassing a child.
Syrian businesses and properties were targeted in Kayseri by a group of men on Sunday night, with video footage posted on social media showcasing a grocery store set on fire.
"No matter who they are, setting streets and people's houses on fire is unacceptable," said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, condemning the violent acts imposed on the Syrian community.
The accused Syrian national, identified only by his initials as I.A., was arrested by police after he was caught by Turkish citizens, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
Yerlikaya said on X that the Syrian man was suspected of harassing a five-year Syrian girl, who turned out to be his relative. However, the interior minister also condemned the violence that broke out, stating the mob acted in an "illegal" manner "that does not suit our human values."
"Turkey is a state of law and order," he said. "Our security forces continue their fight against all crimes and criminals today, as they did yesterday."
According to UN data, Turkey currently hosts approximately 3.2 million Syrian refugees. The country has experienced periodic incidents of xenophobic violence in recent years, often sparked by rumors circulated on social media and messaging apps.
