ANKARA
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has cited an agreement among members of the international community the a regime change in Syria was inevitable, saying "this is now only a matter time."
Speaking at the Anadolu Agency's "Editors' Desk" on Friday, Davutoglu said Turkey had never argued that the Syria crisis was an easy issue to solve and that the solution would be a quick one.
Davutoglu said Syria and the country's supporters argued for a role for President Bashar al Assad in a transition process, a notion which he said was unacceptable to Turkey.
He said Assad's latest statements were the same with what he said months ago, adding that they were a disappointment for the entire international community except for Iran.
"Russia, China and Iran have different views over how Assad should leave power and debates go on and on. But in the last instance Syria's fate will be determined by not these debates but by the Syrian people. I have never thought that Syrians' resilience will be broken. If a nation pays such a huge price then it will receive its fruits," Davutoglu said.
Davutoglu also criticized the United Nations and the Security Council, saying the organization was responsible to protect international peace. "If not on Syria, then when will the Security Council will show a united attitude," he asked.
Davutoglu said Turkey expected a more effective position from the United States over developments in the Middle East and Syria after President Barack Obama made new appointments to key US posts such as the State Department and the Pentagon.
"Our talks with the US are continuing. I will meet with (John) Kerry either in Washington or in Turkey probably in February and a visit by the Turkish Prime Minister in Washington won't take long," Davutoglu said.
Turkish FM hopeful for Fatah-Hamas reconciliation
Turkish foreign minister also expressed hope that negotiations between Fatah and Hamas would produce a settlement to their conflict.
"Our expectations were heightened within the last few days. With God's willing, we will see more positive and better results in the coming days," Davutoglu told.
Davutoglu stressed foundations of a lasting peace in the Middle East rested on the unity among Palestinian groups and on forcing Israel for a settlement which he said would be based on United Nations resolutions.
