ANKARA
Turkey has repeatedly maintained its position that it will continue resolutely to fight against Daesh.
In remarks made at a weekly press briefing Thursday, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanju Bilgic said that Turkey's position on Daesh was clear.
Bilgic denied the allegations that Turkey sends weapons and fighters to Daesh, saying "It is a claim."
"Above all, this dark organization poses an important security threat against Turkey. All kinds of measures have been taken to fight against Daesh, including international cooperation," he said.
Bilgic also said the allegations were part of a "defamatory campaign" and they were "slanderous."
Turkey signed an agreement with the U.S. in February to train and equip moderate Syrian opposition forces as part of the U.S.-led coalition’s effort to battle Daesh.
Turning to the plight of Syrian refugees, Bilgic said: "A total of 13,434 people have entered into our country since June 3."
Turkey has adopted an open-door policy for civilians fleeing the conflict in Syria and Iraq.
"There is no change in our open-door policy. Until today, Turkey has opened its doors to those fleeing from Syria. Actually, it is a human tragedy," said Bilgic.
Syria has been gripped by violence since the regime launched a crackdown in response to anti-government protests in March 2011, triggering a civil war in which more than 220,000 people have died.
Bilgic also touched upon the recall of Turkey's ambassador to Brazil, Huseyin Dirioz, on Monday after the Brazilian Federal Senate labeled the deaths of Ottoman Armenians in 1915 as "genocide."
"Our ambassador is still here [Ankara], and our consultations are continuing," said Bilgic.
Bilgic also referred to a statement of Foreign Ministry of Brazil, which was released on Tuesday.
“The Senate acted within its constitutional prerogatives and in line with the principle of independence of powers enshrined in the Brazilian constitution. The Brazilian Government maintains the expectation that bilateral relations with Turkey, formally defined as strategic by both countries, may soon return to full normality," the statement read.
Bilgic said: "With this statement, the Brazilian foreign ministry takes a different position from the Senate."
The events of 1915 took place during World War I when a portion of the Armenian population living in the Ottoman Empire sided with invading Russian forces and revolted. The subsequent relocation of Armenians in eastern Anatolia resulted in numerous casualties.
Turkey does not dispute that there were casualties among both Armenians and Turks during this time but rejects the "genocide" description.
