ANTALYA
The train-and-equip program for Syrian opposition forces is effective but not enough to take on "terrorist organizations," Turkey's foreign minister said on Tuesday.
Mevlut Cavusoglu's remarks came during a press conference a day before the NATO foreign ministers meeting in Turkey's southern province of Antalya.
"The train-and-equip program for Syrian opposition forces is effective but we cannot say that it is solely enough. We need to take other steps," said Cavusoglu.
Turkey and the U.S. inked a deal on Feb. 19 to train and equip Syrian opposition forces fighting against Bashar Al-Assad's forces
"It is compulsory to be determined to fight against terrorist organizations. It is not possible to eliminate Daesh only with airstrikes. A more comprehensive strategy is needed," added Cavusoglu.
"Daesh is present on the border with Turkey," Cavusoglu added. "Foreign fighters from more than 90 countries are trying to join Daesh by passing through Turkey."
The minister added it was hard to protect the border but said it had stopped - as well as deported - a considerable number of foreign fighters.
Cavusoglu also took the opportunity to touch on the situation in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2013 through via a much-contested referendum.
Cavusoglu reiterated that Turkey supported the territorial integrity of Ukraine, including Crimea.
"We sent an unofficial delegation to Crimea. Now, they are preparing a report. After they finish it, we will share it with you," he said.
Turkey sent a delegation to Crimea on April 29 to evaluate the situation of Crimean Tatars since the annexation.
According to the Foreign Ministry, there are 280,000 Crimean Tatars in Crimea, making up about 13 percent of the total population.
