Turkey reiterates disagreement with Russia over Syria, hopes for resolution

ANKARA

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Turkey’s top diplomat has reiterated Ankara disagreed with Moscow over ways of handling the Syrian conflict, with a particular difference of view of the regime being run by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

“Our view is that al-Assad cannot play a role in Syria reaching stability again because he is the principal one who is responsible for this matter and is on top of those who are responsible for the division in Syria. But the Russians state that this should be decided by the Syrian people,” Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioğlu said on Sept. 18, in an interview with the state-run Anadolu Agency.

“The Syrian people have already made their decision. The rule of a country by a person who declared war against his own people is never possible. But there is no use for anybody in extending this debate. What matters is how Syria will get out of this chaotic environment,” Sinirlioğlu said. 

Sinirlioğlu’s remarks followed a working visit to Sochi where he held talks with his Russian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, earlier this week.

“By keeping differences of views in parenthesis with Sergei Lavrov, we discussed things that should be done to reveal a political resolution that would pay regard to Syria’s unity, integrity and stability,” he said, expressing hope that Turkey and Russia would agree on the principles which would lay the ground for working together on the Syrian conflict.

Earlier, speaking to reporters in Sochi following his meeting with Sinirlioğlu, Lavrov said Moscow and Ankara were interested in fostering a political dialogue in Syria under the auspices of the United Nations.

“In regard to the Syrian settlement, we have a common interest in promoting the start of a meaningful, specific, results-oriented political process under the auspices of the United Nations,” Lavrov was quoted as saying by Sputnik news agency on Sept. 17.