Turkey is determined to continue its fight against terrorism, the country's presidential aide said on Monday.
“It is out of the question for Turkey to get permission or consent from Israel or any other country [to fight terror],” Ibrahim Kalin told reporters in the capital Ankara after a Cabinet meeting.
Kalin's remarks came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday attacked the Turkish president over Turkey's anti-terror operation and Cyprus issues on Twitter.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded to Netanyahu's tweet, saying Israeli prime minister is heading "state terrorism".
- US troop pullout from Syria
Turkish presidential spokesman described as "historic" the Dec.14 telephone call between Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump that led to Washington's decision to withdraw forces from Syria.
Kalin said the decision came as a result of the Turkish president's convincing arguments over the phone with Trump.
He said that Erdogan told Trump “loud and clear” that Turkey and the U.S. do not need PYD/YPG terror group to fight Daesh.
Turkish soldiers are to remain in Syria's Idlib for security and stability of the region, the presidential aide added.
"There is no stepping back, weakness, halt, or slowdown in the fight against Daesh terror group," Kalin added.
Last week, Trump made the surprise announcement that the U.S. would withdraw its troops from Syria, following the phone call with Erdogan in which the two leaders agreed on the need for more effective coordination over the war-torn country.
Reports have suggested U.S. forces will leave within 60 to 100 days.
- Eastern Mediterranean
Speaking about developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, Kalin said that Turkey will not allow violation of its rights arising from international law in the region.
Turkey has consistently contested the Greek Cypriot administration’s unilateral drilling activity in the Eastern Mediterranean, saying Turkish Cypriots also have rights to the resources in the area.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when a Greek Cypriot coup was followed by violence against the island's Turks and Ankara's intervention as a guarantor power.
Reporting by Duygu Yener
Writing by Handan Kazanci
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr