Turkish Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu announces that the identity of the gunman responsible for Istanbul's New Year's Eve attack at Reina nightclub in Ortaköy has been established
The Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, announced at a press conference on Wednesday that the identity of the gunman responsible for Istanbul's New Year's Eve attack at Reina nightclub in Ortaköy has been established.
“The identity of the gunman has been established, and investigations are still underway," said Çavuşoğlu.
The gunman, who fled after the attack, remains at large. At least 16 people have been detained as part of the investigation into the shooting. Çavuşoğlu did not identify the attacker.
'Russian experts will visit Turkey on January 9-10 to discuss Astana talks on Syria,' said Çavuşoğlu.
Turkish and Russian officials will discuss the framework for Syrian peace talks planned to be held in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana on January 23.
“There are two headquarters monitoring the ceasefire violations and humanitarian aid reaching Syria, one in Moscow and one in Ankara. We are working with Russia on the issue of sanctions for those who violate the ceasefire," he continued.
Çavuşoğlu explained, “The Astana process could be frustrated if increased ceasefire violations are not halted."
Turkey, Russia and Iran brokered the nationwide ceasefire deal in Syria, but there have been numerous reports of violations.
“Now that the ceasefire has been implemented, we see that it is being violated. The opposition is keeping its word, but there are violations on the other side. The main parties violating the ceasefire are the regime, Shiite militias and Hezbollah," Turkey's Foreign Minister said.
“Iran must exert pressure on Shiite militias and the Syrian government [to adhere to the ceasefire deal]," he continued.
Foreign minister Çavuşoğlu reiterated the US' promises to Turkey.
“More than words, we want to see our tangible support from the West. Obama called our President last night. We expect concrete support in the face of terrorism," Çavuşoğlu explained.
The Turkish government has expressed frustration with the U.S. for failing to keep promises regarding Syria.
“Obama and Erdoğan agreed that the PYD/YPG in Manbij would go east of the Euphrates in northern Syria," said Çavuşoğlu.
Turkey is having a “confidence crisis" with its U.S. ally, the foreign minister underlined.
