ANKARA, February 14. /TASS/. Many armed extremist groups active in Syria have already disbanded as the new authorities continue to implement a plan to clear the country of terrorists, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters from his pool upon return from a tour of Asia.
"We can see that many armed units in Syria have already disbanded. Terrorist organizations must understand that there is no place left for them in Syria. I would like to point out that otherwise, we would not hesitate to take the necessary action. The situation in Syria is improving day by day and it’s getting easier to solve problems. The government that is currently in power in Syria is building dialogue with its people," the Anadolu news agency quoted Erdogan as saying.
The Turkish leader noted that his talks with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa "made it clear what steps Syria will take against terrorist organizations and what the authorities' plan is."
Erdogan said that at his meeting with al-Sharaa on February 4, "a thorough assessment was made of the steps that need to be taken to reconstruct Syria and ensure unity in the country." "Turkey’s determination to achieve peace and stability in Syria is crucial for all players in the region. We have not left a single chance to survive for the terrorist organizations that are active in northern Syria and pose a threat to our country. We are keeping a close eye on developments in the region, responding instantly," Erdogan stressed.
He also emphasized that "the Syrians have every right to decide what their country will be like, and they are responsible for that." "The regime that oppressed the Syrian people for 61 years is no longer there. Now, the country is taking steps to restore its unity. Turkey will continue to support the Syrian people the way it has been doing so far. In order to ensure unity and stability in Syria, its administration needs to control the entire country," Erdogan added.