Erdogan Urges Assad to Find ‘Urgent Solution’ to Syrian Crisis

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday called on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to urgently pursue a “comprehensive political solution” to the crisis in Syria, according to AFP.

During a phone call with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Erdogan emphasized, “The Syrian regime must engage with its people urgently to achieve a comprehensive political resolution,” a Turkish presidency statement read.

Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s efforts to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, and pave the way for a political process, highlighting Turkey’s desire to prevent further instability and civilian casualties in Syria.

The statement followed a major victory by armed opposition factions, who seized control of the key city of Hama, marking a significant blow to Assad’s forces and their Russian and Iranian allies.

Turkey, which shares a long border with Syria, currently hosts about three million Syrian refugees.