Turkey says talks with Russia on Syria warning but more needed

Turkish foreign minister also says Ankara backs Libya’s internationally recognised GGNA

ANKARA: Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday there was some rapprochement with Russia in talks about Syria’s Idlib region, where Ankara has threatened to mount an offensive, but added that discussions were not at a desired level yet.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that a Turkish military operation in Idlib to drive back a Russian-led Syrian government offensive that has displaced nearly a million people was a “matter of time” after talks with Moscow failed to reach a solution.

Speaking to broadcaster TRT Haber, Cavusoglu said Turkey and Russia would intensify their talks on Idlib in the coming days, adding that Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin may discuss the issue as well.

LIBYA

Turkish foreign minister also said on Thursday that, Turkey’s guarantees in Libya are dependent on a truce between warring sides being upheld, adding that Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar was violating the ceasefire.

Turkey backs Libya’s internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) and has signed a military cooperation agreement to help it repel an offensive by Haftar’s forces in the country’s east. World powers agreed at a summit last month to halt hostilities in Libya while a political process is underway.

Speaking to state broadcaster TRT Haber, Cavusoglu said the “international system” had failed to stop clashes in Libya and that there was no determination. He said a political process in Libya could not move forward while Haftar’s attacks continue.