Saudi, Turkey say no role for Assad in Syria

Turkey’s military says a high-level Russian air force delegation has arrived in Ankara to discuss Russian jets’ violation of Turkey’s airspace.

Ankara is particularly concerned over claims – denied by Moscow – that its bombing campaign has targeted anti-Assad rebels rather than the stated aim of Daesh (the so-called IS) militants.

The Turkish minister said that the Russian intervention was merely delaying a possible transitional period in Syria.

Sinirlioglu also dismissed the notion that the Bashar al-Assad regime remain in power in Syria, saying: “If there are those who think Syria will reach stability [with Assad], they are in a dream”.

“Saudi Arabia and Turkey are in agreement on supporting the opposition in Syria”.

He said that the Russian intervention could “consolidate the regime, but it will not rescue the fate of Bashar”.

“Turkey will continue to support the Syrian opposition’s legal demands till the end, because finally the one who is right will win”, The Turkish minister said.

“I am inviting Salih Muslim to come to his senses”, Sinirlioglu said. “If he doubts Turkey’s will and resolution, it will not be good for him”, said Sinirlioglu.

“The intensity of the sorties… has slightly decreased in the past day”, a statement said, because “the front line with the terrorist groups of Daesh is changing as a result of active offensives by the Syrian armed forces”.

“We have sent a clear message to the PYD”.

Moscow’s attitude to the PYD has anxious Ankara, with Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov meeting Muslim in Paris on October 8.

After the air space violations, Erdogan had warned Moscow against losing Turkey’s friendship.

The Turkish diplomat hopes that such incidents will not reoccur because they do not correspond to the spirit of Moscow-Ankara relations.