Turkish President and AKP Leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke to journalists accompanying him during his return from Sochi where presidents of Turkey, Iran and Russia convened for a summit.

Erdoğan recalled that they have held 7 meetings with Iran and Russia so far, arguing that Turkey has duly fulfilled its mission in Idlib.  

Referring to Syria National Dialogue Congress, Erdoğan remarked that Iran, Russia and Turkey will decide on who will be invited to the congress. Accordingly, sub-commissions to be established by the foreign ministries of the three countries will make the necessary studies beforehand, and chiefs of general staff will contribute if necessary.

“We project that all groups and all fractions in Syria will be invited,” Erdoğan said, noting that “Our position on  PYD/YPG is clear. I highlighted this issue very clearly during the summit and press conference.”

Turkish President argued that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad “also objects to the possibility of such an entity, as far as we can see.”

Erdoğan claimed that Afrin was an Arab city, and reiterated his threats against the canton.

Asked if a close contact with Assad could be considered, Erdoğan gave a green light, saying “politics always has an open door”.