Turkey and Russia to work together in fighting Isis
Despite acknowledging their differences over the Syria conflict, Russia and Turkey have agreed to fight Islamic State (Isis) militants in Syria together.
We have a common stance (with Russia) over the DAISH [IS] terrorist organization. There has been no problem over the issue of terrorism. We occasionally see how much Russia has suffered from terrorism and we know that there cannot be an understanding such as 'your terrorist' and 'my terrorist'.
Addressing a joint news conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Turkey's Presidential Palace in Ankara on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: "We have a common stance (with Russia) over the DAISH [IS] terrorist organization. There has been no problem over the issue of terrorism.
"We occasionally see how much Russia has suffered from terrorism and we know that there cannot be an understanding such as 'your terrorist' and 'my terrorist'. We have agreed with Mr President that a solution is needed (on Syria) but the problem is how. It is impossible to reach a solution with Assad."
Putin's statement echoed a similar note, reported France24: "We do not want chaos in Syria, nor the strengthening of terror groups. We don't think the situation is normal there and we are working for a satisfying result in consultation with all the actors involved."
Turkey and Russia hold opposing views on the Syria conflict.
Turkey heavily criticizes President Bashar al-Assad and questions his popularity in the country, while Moscow remains an Assad ally and defends his democratically elected status.
While Erdogan denied any claims that it backs IS, he remained defiant on his Assad stance.
"Coup rulers come to power in the world by taking a high percentage of votes... There is an attempt to legitimise a person who came to power (in Syria) through anti-democratic means."
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