Mufti: Turkish - Syrian Relations Improved After End Of Syria's Support To Pkk Terrorism

WASHINGTON D.C. (A.A) - 18.06.2002 - Malik Mufti, a Syrian professor in political science department of Tufts University in the U.S. said on Tuesday that the relations between Turkey and Syria improved after the end of Syria's support to PKK terrorism.
Speaking in a conference on Turkish-Syrian relations organized by The Washington Institute, Mufti said that Turkey and Syria which came to the brink of war four years ago, improved their bilateral relations recently.
Noting that Turkey pursues a balanced approach rather than supporting Israel in its Middle East policy, Mufti commented that in case of a military intervention in Iraq, it will be difficult for Turkey to continue its balanced attitude in the region.
Mutfi said that following Syria's ending its support to PKK terrorism which is a key issue for Turkey, there have been many positive developments between the two countries such as permitting the relatives to see each other in the border, cleaning of mines, improving trade, and coming onto agenda the military training agreement. Mufti added that the issue of Hatay is not on the table anymore. Mufti added that Turkey and Syria share the wish of protecting the existing situation in Iraq.