Turkish PM Erdoğan convenes security summit, Syria tops agenda

ANKARA

Daily News Photo

Senior Turkish government and military officials have convened for an external security summit under the leadership of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to discuss the deteriorating situation in Syria.

Along with Erdoğan and Chief of General Staff Gen. Necdet Özel, ministers and high-ranking generals came together at the military headquarters in Ankara. The summit was focused on the worsening situation in Syria, where al-Qaeda affiliated groups are increasing their control, especially in the northern part of Syria. Turkey recently closed its Öncüpınar border gate due to security reasons, but later re-opened it.

The most important problem with regard to security concerns seems to be the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), which has been causing trouble for the Free Syrian Army (FSA). In a number of places in the north, the ISIL has increased its influence over the FSA. The summit also focused on Syria-related terror issues.

Apart from the security meeting, Erdoğan also met with President Abdullah Gül and the secretary-general of the National Security Council (MGK). Meanwhile, as part of State Day, President Gül held a separate talk with the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) Undersecretary Hakan Fidan.