Iraq to prepare for Syria-Turkey meetings
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Iraqi government is working on preparing for meetings between the Syrian government and Turkey in light of fresh reports about possible rapprochement, an Iraqi top official said on Tuesday.
Fadi al-Shammari, political advisor to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said the Iraqi government is working on the preparation for meetings between Damascus and Ankara.
In an exclusive interview with Rudaw, Erbil-based news website, al-Shammari noted to his country’s “important” role in bring the conflict between the two countries to an end.
He added that a rapprochement between Syria and Turkey is in “direct” interest of Iraq.
“Baghdad benefits from playing the role of mediator in several aspects, including enhancing regional stability which reflects positively on the security and economic situation in Iraq,” al-Shammari told Rudaw.
Issues including “securing borders, the economic cooperation, reducing the influence of the armed groups in the region, facilitating the return of Syrian refugees, and cooperation in combating terrorist organizations,” are among the agenda of the Iraqi government, according to al-Shammari.
Ties between Syria and Turkey worsened after the start of the Syrian conflict in March 2011 as protests called for the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian government forces cracked down on the protests, while Turkey supported armed opposition groups, leading to a war later on.
After that, Turkey launched a number of military operations that resulted in the occupation of areas in northern Syria where it has forcibly deported thousands of Syrian refugees who had originally sought safety in Turkey.
Early in July, Syrian and Turkish top officials stated that their countries can restore relations and that there are no obstacles that may hinder the issue.