Turkey Denies Erdogan's Intention to Annex Syrian Territories

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has not discussed plans to annex Syrian cities to the Republic. Diplomatic sources in Ankara informed "RIA Novosti" about this. It is reported that Turkey's leader only raised the issue of fostering fraternal relations with those regions.

Previously, it was reported that Erdogan, during a meeting with party members in Sakarya, stated that five Syrian cities, including major ones like Aleppo and Damascus, would be transformed into Turkish provinces.

On December 13, Erdogan announced that Ankara expects the Syrian interim government to take "correct steps" and not become a threat to neighboring countries. On December 11, the Syrian cabinet, under the control of the ousted president Bashar al-Assad, handed over all duties to the transitional government. Former Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalal emphasized that the process has gone "smoothly".

Earlier, Erdogan deemed it necessary for the European Union to participate in the Syrian settlement.