Turkey, US reach 'understanding' to normalize ties

By Nilay Kar Onum, Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) – Ankara and Washington have “reached an understanding” to normalize ties following a period of tensions, Turkey’s foreign minister said on Friday.

Speaking alongside his visiting U.S. counterpart Rex Tillerson at a press conference in Ankara, Mevlut Cavusoglu said: “We’ve reached an understanding to normalize our relations [with the U.S.].''

Relations between the two countries have been strained over U.S. support for the terrorist group PYD/YPG/PKK in northern Syria.

The terrorist YPG/PKK should first withdraw from Manbij, northern Syria for Turkey to take steps with the U.S. based on trust, Cavusoglu said.

For his part, Tillerson said: “We stand shoulder to shoulder with Turkey against terrorist threats.”

The U.S. will work on promises given to Turkey on Manbij, northern Syria, he added.

After the Turkish-led Operation Olive Branch clears the terrorist PYD/YPG/PKK from Afrin, northern Syria, Turkish leaders say it will proceed to do the same with Manbij, where both terrorist and U.S. forces are stationed, raising the specter of a confrontation.