Title: Erdogan Criticizes Syria Over Normalizing Relations

Turkish media reported today that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that "Syria does not adopt a positive approach towards normalizing relations with our country, as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad remains detached from the matter and does not play any role." Erdogan remarked, "Normalization of relations is possible if progress is made in the fight against terrorism, regarding the safe and voluntary return of refugees, and on the political track." He also noted that "our country is in close contact with the United Nations regarding the revival of the Black Sea grain initiative, and he will discuss it with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the General Assembly taking place this month." He added, "The latest UN proposal has worked to meet some Russian demands," pointing out that "it includes a mechanism similar to the SWIFT payment system, and efforts are underway regarding the insurance of ships." The United Nations General Assembly is scheduled to take place from September 18 to 26 in New York.