Syrian regime must engage in 'genuine political process' to prevent further worsening of situation: Turkish President Erdogan

The Syrian regime must engage in a "genuine political process" to keep the situation in the war-torn country from declining, Türkiye's president told Iraq's prime minister on Tuesday.

In a phone call with Premier Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said "the Syrian regime should engage in a genuine political process to prevent the circumstances from further deteriorating," according to a statement by Türkiye's Communications Directorate.

He said Ankara, "in line with its national security and interests, has taken and will take steps to avert the terrorist organization PKK and its extensions, which are seeking to benefit from developments," added the statement.

Erdogan also said Ankara's priority lies in "preserving peace beyond its borders as well as the protection of civilians from harm."

He highlighted the importance of Syria's "unity, stability, and territorial integrity," adding that Türkiye is "on the same page with Iraq on this issue."

Clashes broke out on Nov. 27 between Assad regime forces and anti-regime armed groups in the western countryside of Aleppo in northern Syria, marking a re-escalation of the fighting after a period of relative calm in the civil war that has gripped Syria since it erupted in 2011.