Ex-US diplomat meets Syria opposition figures in Ankara

By Adham Kako

ANKARA

Former U.S. ambassador to Turkey James Franklin Jeffrey met with Syrian opposition figures in Ankara on Tuesday to discuss the latest regional developments.

According to a statement released by the Istanbul-based National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, the Sept. 17 Sochi agreement between Turkey and Russia -- which called for the demilitarization of Idlib -- topped the agenda of Tuesday’s meeting.

“We appreciate Turkey’s efforts, which made the Sochi agreement possible,” the statement quoted coalition head Abdurrahman Mustafa as saying.

Describing the Sochi agreement as a “very positive development”, Mustafa went on to call for more international support, stressing that his coalition would continue to work towards a political solution in Syria within a UN framework.

Jeffrey is next expected to visit Saudi Arabia and Qatar within the context of a wider Middle East tour.