Turkey, EU promise support for Syria reconstruction, return of refugees

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday (December 17) that an inclusive administration is needed in Syria and called on the European Union to support the return of Syrians who fled during the country's 13-year civil war, speaking at a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Ankara. Western states are gradually opening channels to the new authorities in Damascus led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, though they continue to designate it as a terrorist group. Erdogan said there was no place for what he called terrorist organisations in the region, referring specifically to Islamic State and Kurdish militant groups. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has previously highlighted the importance of an inclusive transition process in Syria. Erdogan also called on the European Union to support the return home of Syrians who fled the war, millions of them to Turkey. Von der Leyen said the European Union would continue to support Syria with a focus on reconstruction and that talks to lift sanctions on Damascus may start once "real progress on a peaceful transitions" is seen on the ground. She added that an additional 1 billion euros will be provided to support the voluntary returns of Syrians, and help Turkey with border and migration management. (Production: Ali Kucukgocmen)