Critical statements from Mevlut Cavusoglu, Turkey’s Foreign Minister in Russia

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu met with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Russia’s capital Moscow. Turkey’s Foreign Minister said, “Today’s meeting is of paramount importance prior to trilateral Sochi Summit to be held in Turkey and the meeting in Astana”.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister said, “We do not have a mechanism with the US in the format of Astana. There is an understanding that Manbij and the locations controlled by YPG should be stabilized and YPG should leave the region. We have continuing discussions in regards”.

Çavuşoğlu stated that steps could be taken to stabilize the eastern regions of the Euphrates if there could be an application there. He went on to say, “But first we have to see how sincere the US is in Manbij and if promises will be kept. The reason is the USA did not stick to its commitments in the past. On the contrary, weapons were supplied to the YPG/PKK terrorist organization. ” .

Speaking about the withdrawal of US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson from the post, Cavusoglu said, “The talks in the United States on 19 March may be postponed because Tillerson was removed from office.”

Cavusoglu also stated that the new Secretary of State of the United States should respect Turkey as well and Turkey would like to work with the new secretary with the same understanding.