Erdoğan: Turkey's Operations in Northern Syria will 'Move to a New Phase'

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President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has spoken on Turkey's possible intervention in northern Syria at the 11th Ambassadors' Conference at the Presidential Complex in Ankara.

"What we experienced in Syria in the last period has again shown us the fact that without being on the field, it is not possible to be on the table.

"If needed, Turkey will absolutely protect its national interests in Syria either via dialogue, soft power, coercive diplomacy instruments or real power.

"Draining the terror swamp in the north of Syria has the highest priority for our country. Until this structure that grows with heavy arms of our allies disappears, Turkey can't feel safe.

"We will move the process which we started with the Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch operations forward to a different phase very soon. By this, we will have established a peace corridor where our Syrian brothers live in peace, well-being and safety.

Erdogan said Turkey's military operation in Syria would not only resolve the irregular migrant issue but also accelerate the return of Syrians to their country.

Turkey expects the creation of a 20-mile (32-kilometer) safe zone in northern Syria and has stressed that it wants the YPG/PYD terror group cleared in the region.

Ankara and Washington have yet to reach an agreement on the safe zone. (EKN/VK)