'The UN’s Syrian ceasefire decision, which includes Eastern Ghouta, is unfortunately not being implemented,' says President Erdoğan
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan evaluated the violations of the 30-day ceasefire in Syria brought into effect by the UN Security Council on Saturday to allow for humanitarian aid deliveries. The resolution came as regime forces and their allies intensified attacks on Eastern Ghouta in recent days, killing several hundreds.
“The UN’s Syrian ceasefire decision, which includes Eastern Ghouta, is unfortunately not being implemented. The period [of bombardment] is continuing relentlessly,” Erdoğan said on Monday at Atatürk Airport before departing for a trip to Algeria, Mauritania, Senegal and Mali.
“I spoke with Putin and Rouhani months ago, and told them that we could treat the elderly and children, yet they did not give them to us. They were handed over to the regime. Their fate is unknown. We will continue to negotiate with Putin with Iran," he added.
The president also recounted his conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. "I saw Macron’s sensitivity [toward the situation] during my discussion with him. I understand his concerns," he said.
Erdoğan evaluated developments regarding the arrest of former co-leader of the PYD/PKK terrorist group, Salih Muslum, who was arrested in Prague.
“Our Foreign Ministry and Justice Ministry are following the matter closely. They are tracking it step by step, and of course there is the Interpol phase, the phase of requesting him. They are also taking steps to ensure that the wrong moves are not made,” Erdoğan said.
Turkey has officially requested the extradition of former terror group co-leader Saleh Muslum from the Czech Republic, Ankara's government spokesman said on Monday, after authorities arrested Muslum in Prague a day earlier.
Bekir Bozdağ said Turkey's Justice Ministry had delivered the extradition request to Czech authorities and added Muslum would appear in court on Monday.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will pay official visits to Algeria, Mauritania, Senegal and Mali between Feb. 26 and Mar. 2. All aspects of bilateral relations and cooperation will be discussed and views will be exchanged regarding regional and international developments with his counterparts and meetings between delegations.
The trip marks Erdoğan’s second visit of Algeria, which Turkey has strong historic ties and is one of Ankara’s most important economic partners in Africa.
After Algeria, President Erdoğan will visit to Mauritania in on Feb. 28 and following that visit he will head for Senegal. The last stop of the tour is Mali.
President Erdoğan’s Mauritania and Mali visits have historic importance since they will be the first presidential visits from Turkey to these countries.
Business forums will be held in Algeria and Senegal as part of the visits.
