Turkish PM voices hope Syria truce brings lasting peace

By Baris Gundogan and Ilkay Guder

ANKARA (AA) – Turkey’s prime minister Friday said he hoped the nationwide cease-fire in Syria will pave the way for a political solution in the war-torn country as well as sustainable peace and tranquility in the region.

“I hope this cease-fire will turn into a sustainable peace that would prevent further bloodshed and the killing of civilians, innocents and children," Binali Yildirim told reporters after Friday prayers in the capital Ankara.

He added that he hopes "2017 will bring peace, tranquility, and brotherhood to the region.”

The Assad regime and the main Syrian opposition groups agreed to a nationwide cease-fire which started last night at midnight.

Turkey and the Russian Federation will act as guarantor countries in supporting the cease-fire, which also includes comprehensive peace talks in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana.

Yildirim stated that all fighting parties, except terrorist groups, would shake hands and start working together for the future of their country and prosperity of their people.

He added that the international community, including the U.S., UN, and coalition forces, as well as local factions are part of this peace process.

- The fight against terrorism

On Turkey’s counter-terrorism operations, Yildirim said that the security forces would continue their fight against all kind of terrorist groups until peace prevails across the nation.

“We will hunt them everywhere. We will follow them wherever they flee. This is no joke. We will continue our work for the peace and safety of our nation.”

Turkish security forces have been conducting multi-pronged counter-terrorism operation since last summer.

- Minimum wage

Speaking on the new minimum wage set by the Labor Ministry, Yildirim said the new figure shows a rise of some 10 percent from the current salary.

The Minimum Wage Commission, made up of government officials and representatives of workers and employers, set next year’s minimum wage at 1,404 Turkish liras ($397) per month compared to 1,300 liras ($368) in 2016.

- State of emergency

Asked question whether the current state of emergency would be extended, Yildirim said the issue would be brought to the government’s agenda in the next two weeks.

Turkey imposed a three-month state of emergency five days after the July 15 coup attempt which martyred 248 people martyred and injured around 2,200 others.

In early October, the government extended the state of emergency for three more months.

According to the Turkish Constitution, a state of emergency can be declared for a maximum period of six months, but can also be extended if needed.