ANKARA
Turkish foreign minister has ruled out any role for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a transitional government to be set up to end the ongoing violence in the country.
"We still believe that any transitional government in Syria could function properly if Bashar al-Assad stays in the country after all those terrible massacres. We are making consultations on a model of transition which fits to the new circumstance," Ahmet Davutoglu told reporters Friday in a joint press appearance with his Sudanese counterpart Ali Karti who pays a visit in the Turkish capital, Ankara.
Davutoglu also called on the international community to take "tangible steps to initiate a process that takes into account the realities on the ground in Syria in order to end suffering."
Turkey will work to solve issues between Sudan and South Sudan
Davutoglu said Turkey and Sudan have agreed in principle to establish channels to among the two countries plus South Sudan to solve issues between the two African countries.
"We have decided in principle to work together to take confidence-building measures and improve ties between Sudan and South Sudan," Davutoglu told.
Davutoglu said relations between Sudan and South Sudan was of great importance for Turkey, adding that his South Sudanese counterpart paid a visit in Ankara last month.
"We attach great importance for the development of relations between Sudan and South Sudan on strong foundations. And Turkey will exert any effort to that end," Davutoglu said.
Karti, on his part, said that Turkey could play important roles in improving relations between Sudan and South Sudan, adding that the two countries could benefit from Turkey's contributions in economy.
