WALL – In the normalization process of relations between Turkey and Syria, while the “territorial integrity” and “occupation” statements came from the Damascus administration, it was stated that the attention was turned to the reopening of the M4 highway during the negotiation process. It was claimed that ‘secret’ talks were held in Kasab region of Latakia for the reopening of the Aleppo-Latakia international highway known as ‘M4’.
Saudi newspaper Şarkul Avsat reported that security-level talks were held between Ankara and Damascus. Within the scope of the meetings, it was claimed that Turkey ‘showed flexibility’ in taking over the control of the M4 highway.
‘SET A CALENDAR FOR WITHDRAWAL’
It was stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Special Envoy to Syria, Alexander Lavrentyev, went to Damascus to meet with Syrian President Bashar Assad. It was reported that Assad reiterated his demand for “Turkey’s withdrawal from the north of the country” before a possible meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and said that “at least a timetable should be determined”. Russian diplomat Lavrentyev, who made a statement in the past weeks, announced that they were “looking for a ground” for a meeting between Erdogan and Assad.
It was reported that Ankara refused the request to withdraw from Syrian territory, with the words “Damascus demands some kind of ‘symbolic success’ before bringing Assad and Erdogan together.” Accordingly, Ankara gave the message that ‘Turkey will not withdraw from Syria under any circumstances, even if the Americans withdraw’.
‘SECRET’ MEETING BETWEEN FIDAN AND MCGURK
On the other hand, it was alleged that MIT Director Hakan Fidan met with Brett McGurk, the Middle East and North Africa coordinator of the White House in a Gulf country. It was stated that the agenda of Fidan and Brett McGurk included Turkey’s demands, the possibility of an operation and the fight against ISIS.
Following the Fidan-McGurk meeting, it was alleged that the US State Department Special Representative for Syria, Nicholas Granger, made a series of secret visits to Ankara and Qamishli. According to the news, the withdrawal of the internal security forces (Asayish) affiliated to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) 30 kilometers south of the border and the return of Syrian refugees to these regions were the main agenda items of Granger. (EXTERNAL NEWS)