Erdoğan: Operations in Syria to Continue, Borders to Stay Open for Refugees
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Turkey is working for a lasting cease-fire in Syria's embattled province of Idlib and it will continue to stand down against refugees heading to Europe, President and Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said.
"My only wish is to end this struggle with victory and prevent further bloodshed, with a permanent cease-fire. For this, we are using all our diplomatic channels, along with our struggle in the field," Erdoğan told a gathering of AKP officials in the capital Ankara.
His remarks came ahead of his meeting Thursday (March 5) with President Vladimir Putin of Russia on the situation in Idlib, northwestern Syria, in the wake of a military escalation between Turkey and Syria.
CLICK - What Happened in Idlib in the Last Two Days?
Thirty-six soldiers lost their lives in an airstrike on February 27 in Idlib. In retaliation, Turkey targeted government forces of Syria with aircraft, artillery and missiles, claiming to have "neutralized" hundreds of troops.
"For every one of our martyrs, we destroy dozens of regime elements, and make them pay a heavy price by destroying their jets and ammunition," said Erdogan, speaking of Turkey's retaliation.
"We rendered Nayrab [military] airport useless with our attacks on Sunday."
CLICK - Erdoğan: Turkey to Figure out Airspace Problem in Syria's Idlib, Liberate Military Posts
"If they don't withdraw outside the boundaries set by Turkey, they won't have their heads on their shoulders," he added, referring to the Damascus government.
Turkey announced on Sunday that it launched the Operation Spring Shield after the attack on its soldiers in Idlib, the northwestern province bordering Turkey.
Refugees to Europe: 'The doors are open now'
On Turkey opening its western borders to let refugees make their way to Europe, Erdogan said, "When we opened the doors, we got call after call, asking us to close them. But the doors are open now."
Referring to his complaints that European countries have not kept their pledges to aid the refugees, he added, addressing Europe, "You will also share this burden."
CLICK - Refugees on the Road to Europe: 'I Want My Children Safe, Wherever It May Be'
"For years, we have called for establishing safe zones in Syria to settle the people fleeing the regime. However, no European country provided concrete support or contribution to these calls.
"We will either give these people a dignified life in their own lands or everyone will shoulder their fair share. The era of unilateral sacrifice is over."
Defense Minister: Regime is the only target
Turkey has neutralized 2,557 regime elements with Spring Shield Operation, said Defense Minister Hulusi Akar.
On the details of the operation, Akar said the operation has been continuing successfully as planned, and the country has also destroyed 2 jets, 2 drones, 8 helicopters, 135 tanks, and 5 air-defense systems of Syria's armed forces.
Akar, along with Chief of General Staff Gen. Yaşar Guler, Land Forces Commander Gen. Ümit Dündar and Air Forces Commander Gen. Hasan Küçükakyüz, were at the tactical command center in the southern Hatay province, bordering Syria.
Akar also pointed out that as a guarantor country, Turkey fulfills all responsibilities arising from the commitments.
"Our expectation from Russia at this point is to fulfill its commitments as the guarantor country, and in this context, to use its influence over the regime to make it halt its attacks and withdraw to the lines set under the Sochi agreement."
Akar said talks between Ankara and Moscow are underway.
He added that Turkey does not aim a face-off with Russia and its only aim is to stop the regime massacres and to prevent radicalization and migration. (TP/VK)