Erdoğan says Russia holds the key to Syrian conflict

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia holds the key to solving the 20-month-long conflict in Syria, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s planned visit to Turkey next week, according to Hurriyet Daily News.

“Putin is coming to Turkey on Dec 3, and we will discuss the Syrian crisis. At the moment, Russia is holding the key and its attitude is very crucial,” Erdoğan told reporters on a plane en route to Ankara from Madrid, adding that Russia’s positive stance in the United Nations Security Council may also have an impact on Iran .

When asked about the Obama administration’s position, the PM said they should wait until January, when President Barack Obama will be inaugurated for a second term. “The U.S. has not shown a satisfactory attitude so far. Some expressions used were, ‘wait for the elections, after the elections the situation may change.’ The elections are over and they say ‘a new Cabinet will be established. After the new Cabinet we can talk.’”

On arming the Syrian opposition, Erdoğan said rebels are somehow obtaining weapons. “I think the opposition provides supplies [and arms] so that they can continue their fight against [President Bashar] al-Assad’s forces. Bashar has no power on the ground, he can only attack from the air,” he said, ruling out the possibility of a no-fly zone without a UN Security Council mandate.