Shifting Stance, Turkey Says No Solution to Syria Crisis without Russia, Iran

“Without Russia’s contribution, there cannot be a permanent solution in Syria. We keep saying this. The same goes for Iran, too, with which we also have to boost our relations in this regard,” Turkish Foregin Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in an interview with the Russian Sputnik new agency, ruling out any “military solution” to the conflict.
 
“Unfortunately, the situation in Syria is getting worse. These problems cannot be solved in the short term through fighting alone. They cannot be solved single-handedly, either. That is why, we have to work together for a political solution and a ceasefire,” Cavusoglu said.
 
The top Turkish diplomat noted that Turkey and Russia may have “differences of opinion,” but the essential aim is to bring mutual relations “to a level that is even better than before.”
 
Media reports indicate that Ankara could change its stance towards Syria and form an alliance with Russia and Iran to battle terrorists in Syria.
 
On July 13, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said his country aims to develop good relations with Syria and Iraq.
 
Since taking office in May, Yildirim has repeatedly said that Turkey needs to “increase its friends and decrease its enemies,” an apparent tacit admission that past policies have left Ankara sidelined.
 
Turkey has long been a staunch opponent of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, allowing militants to freely slip into the Arab country through its borders.  The policy had put Turkey on a collision course with Syria’s allies, including Iran and Russia.
 
The apparent change of policy comes in the wake of recent Turkish efforts to warm relations with Russia, which is a key supporter of the Syrian government.
 
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova at a press conference in Moscow on Thursday said that Russia has begun “thoughtful” work on Syria with Turkey despite having substantial disagreements over the issue.
 
“We have started to work in detail and thoughtfully on the Syrian issue with the Turkish side. We consider this work to be constructive and positive,” she added.