29-03-2024 10:15 AM Jerusalem Timing

Turkey’s Erdogan Slams US’ “Impertinence” on Syria

Turkey’s Erdogan Slams US’ “Impertinence” on Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday slammed US "impertinence" on the Syrian conflict.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday slammed US "impertinence" on the Syrian conflict, exposing the extent of strains between Washington and Ankara days after his key meeting with US Vice President Joe Biden.

Ties between the US and Turkey have soured in recent months over the reluctance of Turkish leaders to intervene militarily in the US-led campaign against the terrorist group ISIL, who have taken control of swathes of Iraq and Syria. 

Turkish President ErdoganIn an indication of the tensions that remain between the two NATO allies, Erdogan accused the US of being "impertinent" for pressuring it to help save the besieged Syrian town of Kobani, which is within sight of the Turkish border.  

"Why is somebody coming to this region from 12,000 kilometres away?" Erdogan said during an address to a group of businessmen in Ankara, in a clear reference to the US.

"I want you to know that we are against impertinence, recklessness and endless demands," he said.

Biden had personally stung Erdogan last month by suggesting his policies in supporting terrorists in Syria had helped encourage the rise of the ISIL militant group, a slight that prompted Erdogan to warn his relationship with the US number two could be "history".

"They looked on as the tyrant (President Bashar) al-Assad massacred 300,000 people. They remained silent in the face of Assad's barbarism and now they are now staging a 'conscience show' through Kobane," Erdogan said.

"We will resolve our problems not with the help of a 'superior mind' but with the help of our people," he said.

Biden wrapped up a three-day visit to Turkey on Sunday without a breakthrough on military cooperation in the Syrian crisis.