Turkey Consolidates Presence in Idlib, Rejects to Withdraw from Syria

Turkish soldiers stand near armored vehicles on the Turkish-Syrian border. AFP file photo
Turkish soldiers stand near armored vehicles on the Turkish-Syrian border. AFP file photo
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Turkey Consolidates Presence in Idlib, Rejects to Withdraw from Syria

Turkish soldiers stand near armored vehicles on the Turkish-Syrian border. AFP file photo
Turkish soldiers stand near armored vehicles on the Turkish-Syrian border. AFP file photo

Turkey on Thursday rejected the Arab League’s request that Ankara not interfere in Arab internal affairs and stop provocative actions that undermine confidence-building and threaten the security and stability of the region.

In a statement, The Turkish Foreign Ministry said Ankara “fully rejects” all decisions taken at the Arab League’s Ministerial Council meeting held on Wednesday in the Egyptian capital Cairo.

During a virtual session, Arab foreign ministers called on Ankara to withdraw all its forces from Arab territories.

“We once again invite the Arab League to undertake a positive role in ensuring stability and security in the region, instead of acting under the direction of some of its members which have a hostile attitude towards our country,” the Turkish Ministry said.

It added that Ankara gives great importance to the territorial integrity and political unity of the Arab countries as well as to regional stability, contrary to the "baseless accusations" - aiming to cover destructive agenda and activities - of those administrations behind these decisions.

Separately, Turkey and Iran underlined their strong commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity in line with all agreements in the framework of the Astana format.

The position came in a joint statement issued following a virtual meeting between Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Both sides also reaffirmed their conviction that the Syrian conflict could be resolved through a political process in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

Meanwhile, Turkish forces continued to enhance their military presence in Idlib.

A new Turkish military column, including armored vehicles and other vehicles carrying officers, crossed Thursday into the Syrian territory, via Kafr Lusin crossing on the border with Iskenderun region in northern Idlib. The vehicles headed to the Turkish positions in the “de-escalation zone.”



Lebanon's President Tells US Senior Official Israeli Occupation in Remaining Points Must End

Israeli soldiers stand near to a tank near Israel's border with Lebanon in northern Israel, October 16, 2023. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner/File Photo
Israeli soldiers stand near to a tank near Israel's border with Lebanon in northern Israel, October 16, 2023. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner/File Photo
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Lebanon's President Tells US Senior Official Israeli Occupation in Remaining Points Must End

Israeli soldiers stand near to a tank near Israel's border with Lebanon in northern Israel, October 16, 2023. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner/File Photo
Israeli soldiers stand near to a tank near Israel's border with Lebanon in northern Israel, October 16, 2023. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner/File Photo

Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday told US national security adviser Mike Waltz that it is necessary to end the Israeli occupation in the remaining points and complete the implementation of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement with Israel.

Israeli troops withdrew on Tuesday from most of south Lebanon but Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel would temporarily remain in five points needed for its security, Reuters reported.

The Lebanese presidency said that Lebanon would consider any remaining Israeli presence on Lebanese land an occupation.

Israel had been due to withdraw by January 26, but this was extended to February 18 after it accused Lebanon of failing to enforce the terms. Lebanon at the time accused Israel of delaying its withdrawal.