Turkish defense minister meets US Syrian special envoy

By Sarp Ozer

ANKARA

Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar on Tuesday received U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, James Jeffrey, in capital Ankara.

In a closed-door meeting, Akar expressed Turkey's discomfort at the terrorist YPG/PKK presence in Syria.

He also conveyed Turkey’s intention to continue protecting its security and regional interests in accordance with international law, as well as the need to completely rid the region from the terrorist organization.

Later, Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also met Jeffrey, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.

The top diplomats exchanged views on the latest developments in Syria, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of some 40,000 people.