Turkey to remain in Syria to secure southern borders - Erdogan

ISTANBUL, Jan 18 (KUNA) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that his country would remain in Syria and could even move further into the country in order to protect its southern borders.
Responding to opposition criticism against the government's Syria and Libya policy, Erdogan said at a railway opening ceremony that his country is determined to protect its southern borders.
"We are determined to use all means of politics, diplomacy and military power in issues concerning Syria, the Mediterranean and Libya," he challenged.
On Libya, the Turkish leaders vowed that his country would also continue to be in Libya to do defend its Mediterranean rights and support this northern African country's internationally recognized government.
Turkey is going to attend a major peace conference on Libya due in Berlin on Sunday in pursuit of a stronger commitment from regional actors for a cease-fire in the war-torn country.
On January 12, the warring sides of the Libyan conflict announced a cease-fire in response to a joint call by Turkish and Russian leaders. (end) ta.mt