Syrian President Bashar Assad has expressed skepticism about the efforts so far to normalize relations between Turkey and Syria, saying that despite the mediation of some countries, these attempts have not led to significant results, the Turkish website Haberler reported.
In a speech before the parliament, Assad also stated that Turkish troops should be withdrawn from Syria.
Mentioning the attempts of Russia, Iran and Iraq to ensure reconciliation between the two neighbors, the Syrian president stated: "Despite the seriousness and sincere desire of the mediators, the initiatives did not achieve any significant results.
"Sovereignty and international law correspond to the principles of all countries that are serious about restoring their relations, and the fight against terrorism is a common interest of both countries,", Assad said, adding that Syria wants Turkish troops to withdrawn from its territory.
"In order to restore our relations, the causes that led to their deterioration must first be removed, and we will not give up any of our rights,", Assad also stated before the parliament.
According to the Syrian leader, any negotiation process needs a solid foundation for both sides to rely on in order to be successful.
"There are various reasons for the lack of results from the previous meetings. However, one of the most important reasons is the lack of a reference base for these meetings," he said.
According to Assad, this base can be international law, the UN Charter or some topics that affect each of the countries.
"For example, the issue that the Turkish authorities constantly raise is the issue of refugees and terrorism. Syria constantly raises the issue of the withdrawal (of Turkish troops) from Syrian territory and the issue of terrorism," he said, adding that he did not think there would be a problem on any of those issues, "as long as there is no malice."
Last month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would invite Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to discuss normalizing bilateral relations, which have deteriorated since the start of the Syrian war in 2011. However, Assad said such talks could take place only if the neighbors focus on the core issues, including the withdrawal of Turkish forces from northern Syria.