President Erdoğan discusses Syria with Macron, Putin

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has spoken with his Russian and French counterparts President Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron to discuss the recent developments over the phone regarding Syria and Turkey’s “Operation Olive Branch” in Syria’s Afrin, according to a Turkish presidential source Jan. 23.

According to the source, Erdoğan told Putin the Turkish operation, launched on Jan. 20, is aimed at clearing Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) militants from the northwestern city of Afrin.

Erdoğan pointed out that Turkey values working in coordination with Russia on Syria. The Turkish president also said the operation, which aims to secure Turkey’s national security, will contribute to Syria’s political unity and territorial integrity as well.

The two leaders also confirmed their determination to continue efforts for the success of the upcoming Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi, slated for Jan. 28-29.

Discussion with French president on Afrin 

Erdoğan also spoke with his counterpart French President Emmanuel Macron over the phone on Jan. 23, discussing Syria, according to a Turkish presidential source.

Erdoğan and Macron exchanged views on the latest developments in Syria and Turkey’s “Operation Olive Branch” in Afrin, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.

According to the source, Erdoğan said Turkey had carried out this operation under international law and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

Ankara has taken all measures to prevent civilians from being harmed in the operation, the president added.

The source said Erdoğan and Macron agreed to have “close” contact regarding efforts to resolve the Syria crisis.