'Assad regime illegitimate, far from promising future for Syria'

The Assad regime in neighboring Syria is illegitimate and far from promising any future for the country, Turkey's presidential spokesman said on Monday.

Following a Cabinet meeting in the presidential complex in Ankara, Ibrahim Kalın said Turkey would not allow any terror threats from east of the Euphrates River in Syria and also stressed the importance of the roadmap for stability in Manbij, northern Syria.

Turkey has promised a counter-terrorist operation in Syria, east of the Euphrates, following two similar successful operations since 2016.

The Manbij deal between Turkey and the U.S. focuses on the withdrawal of YPG/PKK terrorists from the city to stabilize the region, which is in the northeast of northern Syria's Aleppo province.

"Immediate implementation of the Manbij roadmap without any delay is significant for U.S.-Turkey ties, regional safety, and the process in Syria," Kalın said, adding that Turkey and Russia also agreed on the roadmap as agreed with the U.S.

Mentioning the Astana and Geneva process peace talks on Syria, Kalın vowed to continue efforts to provide safety and stability in Syria with respect for the country's territorial integrity.

Turkey and Russia, together with Iran, are the guarantor countries which brokered a cease-fire in Syria in December 2016, leading to the Astana talks, which are running parallel to the Geneva talks.

Kalın also denied reports that Turkey and the U.S. have agreed on a "safe zone" in Syria, saying that talks are still ongoing.