Kremlin 'aware' of Turkey's concerns over terror groups

By Diyar Guldogan

SOCHI, Russia (AA) – Turkey’s objections to working with terrorist groups in Syria have been noted by Russia, a Kremlin spokesman suggested on Thursday.

"The Kremlin is aware of the existence of certain reservations by the Turkish partners regarding the forces they consider a threat to their national security," Dmitry Peskov told reporters, according to Russia's official TASS news agency.

Peskov's remarks came a day after Syria summit in Russia's coastal city of Sochi, where the presidents of Turkey, Russia and Iran met to discuss progress made in the Astana peace talks and changes in de-escalation zones across Syria.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Vladimir Putin and Hassan Rouhani agreed to hold a Syrian National Dialogue Congress.

However, Erdogan warned that Turkey cannot share a platform with any terrorist organization which poses a threat to its national security.

"The exclusion of terrorist elements -- that target both Syrian political unity and territorial integrity, and our country -- from the process, will be among our priorities as Turkey," he said.

Ankara reiterated there is no difference between the PKK, YPG and PYD terrorist organizations.

The PYD and its military YPG wing are Syrian branches of the PKK, which has waged war against Turkey for more than 30 years.

According to TASS, Peskov said there was a strong consensus that the congress will convene in near future and it should be as "inclusive" as possible.

About the joint statement released by the presidents following the summit, Peskov said it was not a "protocol of intentions", rather a "clear position" of the three countries.