Assad Says No Progress in Turkey Relations

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stated that recent efforts to restore relations with Turkey have yielded no significant results, despite mediation attempts by Russia, Iran, and Iraq. In a speech to the Syrian parliament, he highlighted that openness is essential for reconciliation and emphasized the need to address the root causes of the conflict. While Assad expressed a desire for the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Syria, he clarified that this was not a precondition for talks. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has indicated his willingness to meet Assad, but a reported August meeting has been denied by Turkish officials. The ongoing tensions stem from Turkey's support for Syrian rebels during the civil war, which Assad views as terrorism. There are indications that discussions could occur in a neutral location, but no specifics have been finalized.