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Thousands of Syrians in rebel-held areas took to the streets on Friday to protest against a proposal from Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu for reconciliation between the Syrian government and opposition.
Turkey has fervently opposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, backing rebels calling for his removal and opening its doors to refugees.
Cavusoglu’s comments were seen as an apparent easing of Ankara’s long-standing hostility towards Assad’s government and enraged the Syrian opposition and rebel groups.
Syrians took to the streets after Friday prayers in major northern cities including Azaz, Al-Bab and Afrin, which are under the control of Turkish forces and their Syrian supporters near the Turkish border.
“As revolutionaries, we are united here to reject any reconciliation with the regime, as that means destruction and displacement of millions of Syrians,” said Yassin al-Ahmad, a displaced Syrian residing in Al-Bab.
“This reconciliation is not in our hands, and it is not in Turkey’s hands. For us it is suicide and a crime,” the 37-year-old added.
Protesters brandished Syrian opposition flags, and one banner read: “No reconciliation, the revolution continues.”
‘Blood of martyrs’
Cavusoglu had told diplomats on Thursday: “We have to somehow get the opposition and the regime to reconcile in Syria. Otherwise, there will be no lasting peace, we always say this.”
Protesters also demonstrated in Idlib province, controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the former Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda, and other rebel groups.
Dozens gathered at a Turkish army checkpoint in Idlib’s Mastuma area, shouting: “Down with the (Syrian) regime,” and denouncing the Turkish minister’s statements.
“We are against reconciliation. We will not forget the blood of the martyrs, the pain of the detained, and the massacres,” said protester Sanaa…
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Source : france24
