In a pre-planned speech in front of parliament today, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan unloaded on National Security Adviser John Bolton, saying he made a “serious mistake” in his recent comments calling for Kurdish security as a pre-condition for U.S. withdrawal from Syria:
In a speech to parliament, Turkey's President Erdogan said that U.S. national security adviser Bolton had made "serious mistake" in calling for a new condition for the U.S. exit from Syria. https://t.co/rtoJ07mnQ3
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 8, 2019
Erdogan also snubbed Bolton and refused to meet with him:
BREAKING: Erdogan, frustrated by evolving US conditions for a withdrawal from Syria, refused to meet with Trump adviser John Bolton, per @TurkWonk and @margarettalev.
Erdogan ripped into US proposals that a US-backed Kurdish group play key role in Syria after US troops leave.
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) January 8, 2019
But it was a “polite” snub:
Erdogan snubbed Bolton. But politely.
Bolton (and Dunford and Syria aide James Jeffrey, an ex US ambassador to Turkey), met with Erdogan’s spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin.
Erdogan called Kalin during mtg to convey he couldn't join them but sends his regards, @margarettalev reports.
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) January 8, 2019
Bolton met with Erdogan’s spokesman instead:
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LATEST — Presidential Adviser Kalın is National Security Adviser Bolton's counterpart, President Erdoğan says, adds that a Turkish operation into northern Syria could happen any moment after the US delegation's visit
— DAILY SABAH (@DailySabah) January 8, 2019
MORE — Bolton already met Kalın and Defense Minister Akar, it wasn't necessary for me to meet him, Erdoğan says, adds that him not meeting the White House adviser should not be considered as a reaction
— DAILY SABAH (@DailySabah) January 8, 2019
According to reports, the meeting ended with no deal:
ANKARA (AP) — A senior U.S. official held talks Tuesday in Ankara to negotiate the fate of America’s Kurdish allies in Syria but got no assurances of their safety — a condition for President Donald Trump’s planned withdrawal of U.S. troops from NE Syria. https://t.co/Q40pyUSKH9
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) January 8, 2019
Turkish presidential spokesman says Erdogan has not pledged in contact with Trump to protect Kurdish militia in Syria – @Reuters https://t.co/IMqqQLMw5u
— Dan Williams (@DanWilliams) January 8, 2019
And Turkey wants to make sure that they get control of U.S. bases and weapons upon the withdrawal of U.S. forces:
Turkish presidential spokesman says what is important is what will happen to U.S. bases in Syria and weapons given to YPG – @Reuters https://t.co/6DvCtjqUze
— Dan Williams (@DanWilliams) January 8, 2019
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Related:
WHAT? Sen. Lindsey Graham says Trump 'in a pause situation' on troop withdrawal from Syria https://t.co/Bbo6P8FSiD
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) December 30, 2018
ICYMI==> REPORT: Scandinavian hikers murdered in retaliation for U.S.-Kurdish victory over ISIS in Hajin, Syria; 13 now under arrest https://t.co/RK42ibsGhw
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) December 22, 2018
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