We need it.”The statement follows the restoration of diplomatic ties with Russia and Israel. Binali Yildirim said in a televised address Wednesday that Turkey is expanding its circle of friends, adding: “I am sure that we will return (our) ties with Syria to normal. Ankara cut ties with Syrian President Bashar Assad after a popular uprising erupted in 2011. ISTANBUL — Turkey’s prime minister suggested on Wednesday his country wants to normalize ties with Syria in what would mark an about-turn in policy amid a broad diplomatic offensive. Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that the path to Turkish citizenship would be open to Syrians who meet several criteria including having no links to terror groups.

Source: Washington Post July 13, 2016 09:17 UTC