Erdogan, Macron discuss Syria

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron discussed Syria over the phone on Tuesday, according to a Turkish presidential source.

Erdogan and Macron exchanged views on the latest developments in Syria and Turkey's Operation Olive Branch in Afrin, the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said.

Turkey on Saturday launched Operation Olive Branch to clear YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin in northwestern Syria.

According to the Turkish military, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkish borders and the region as well as protect Syrians from terrorist oppression and cruelty.

The operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey's rights based on international law, UN Security Council resolutions, its self-defence rights under the UN charter, and respect for Syria's territorial integrity, it said.

Afrin has been a major hideout for the YPG/PKK since July 2012, when the Assad regime in Syria left the city to the terror group without putting up a fight.

Erdogan to speak with Trump

Meanwhile, Erdogan and his American counterpart Donald Trump would also speak over the phone on Wednesday, the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday.

“Tomorrow, the two presidents will speak over the phone,” Cavusoglu told reporters in the French capital, Paris.

Cavusoglu’s remarks came after a meeting with his US counterpart Rex Tillerson on the sidelines of the International Partnership against Impunity for Use of Chemical Weapons hosted by the French Foreign Ministry.

He said Trump wished to make the phone call. “The time has also been finalised,” Cavusoglu added, without giving any further details.

About the meeting with Tillerson, Cavusoglu said he had discussed bilateral issues, particularly Syria.

Erdogan, Putin discuss Syria

President Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed over the phone recent developments in Syria as well as Turkey’s Operation Olive Branch in Syria’s Afrin, according to a Turkish presidential source on Tuesday.

According to the source, Erdogan told Putin the Turkish operation was aimed at clearing PYD/YPG and Daesh terrorists from Afrin.

Erdogan pointed out that Turkey valued working in co-ordination with Russia on Syria. Turkish president also said the operation, which aimed to secure Turkey’s national security, would also contribute to Syria’s political unity and territorial integrity.

The two leaders also confirmed their determination to continue efforts for the success of upcoming Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi, slated for January 28-29.