Diplomat: Türkiye to make decision on place, time of operation in Syria

Head of the Communications Department of the Turkish Presidential Administration Fahrettin Altun has said that the decision on a new operation in Syria, including its place and time, will be made by Türkiye itself.

“The militants of the Syrian wing of the PKK/YPG terrorist organisation have been recently periodically organising attacks, explosions, and shelling both Turkish military personnel and the Syrian civilians, which are protected by Türkiye,” Altun said in an interview with the Norwegian Aftenposten newspaper, Anadolu Agency reports.

While answering a question about Russia's position on Türkiye's anti-terrorist operations in Syria, the head of the Communications Department noted that Türkiye and Russia are two sovereign states and "it is quite natural that the positions of countries on a number of issues may not coincide".

“There may also be differences in approaches on the Syrian issue. However, we believe that the fight against terrorism is in the common interest of all countries interested in peace and stability in the region,” Altun said.

He noted that modern Türkiye, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is a power that proceeds from its own interests and solves pressing problems on its own.

“When making decisions, Türkiye does not appeal to third countries and does not ask for permission,” he noted.

While commenting on Ankara's position on Sweden and Finland’s joining NATO, Altun pointed out that if Türkiye makes sure that the obligations assumed by the two Scandinavian countries are observed, then the applications of these countries will be approved by the Turkish side.

He reminded Ankara's two main demands to Helsinki and Stockholm, namely, the lifting of restrictions on the Turkish defence industry and a clear position in the fight against terrorists.

"We hope that the two Scandinavian countries will perceive Türkiye as an ally and act accordingly," he said.