Syria

U.S. attempts to control Syrian oil fields are "illegal," said Russia's top diplomat on Nov. 11.

The founder of an organization that trained the Syrian "White Helmets" emergency response group has died in İstanbul

The locals of southern Hatay province have always been hospitable towards Syrian refugees and asylum seekers yet still want Syria to accomplish peace so that the "guests" can safely return to their homeland, Hatay's Mayor Lütfü Savaş has said.

Russia said on Nov. 8 that it was working "actively" with Turkey to implement a memorandum between the two countries on Syria. 

Turkish and Russian troops have started their third joint ground patrols east of Euphrates as part of the Sochi deal on northern Syria, between Qamishli and Derik cities, according to Turkey's Defense Ministry on Nov. 8.

UN Special Representative for Syria Geir Pedersen's spokesperson Jennifer Fenton said on Nov.5 that the ongoing meetings of the Syrian Constitutional Committee are making "positive" progress.

The main opposition party leader has outlined seven major policy mistakes committed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on Syria since 2011, which have burdened Turkey with hosting 3.6 million Syrian refugees and spending tens of thousands of billion dollars for their care.

Turkey continues to be vigilant although its anti-terror operation in northern Syria dealt a heavy blow to terrorists aiming to establish a terror corridor in Syria, said Turkish presidential spokesman on Nov. 4.

Civilians, historical and religious structures including churches were undamaged in Turkey's anti-terror operation in northern Syria, country's Defense Ministry said on Nov. 4.

As a regional power with leverage on the ground, Turkey is a key player in restoring peace in Syria, a Russian diplomat who took part in negotiations to bring a ceasefire in Aleppo has said.