Eurasia Press & News
Turkish President Abdullah Gül said he discussed the ongoing Syria conflict in depth with the United States President Barack Obama while having lunch in New York.
Gül told reporters afterwards that Obama was at the same lunch table as he was, which gave the two the opportunity to discuss the Syria issue in what became almost a “one-on-one meeting” between the world leaders.
“We had a good chance to talk over lunch. It was almost like a one-on-one meeting, I had a chance to convey my thoughts on Syria [to him],” Gül said.
The president added that he explained to Obama that anyone could become radical if their loved ones were killed “by their side.”
“I told him to think that over and not to overlook that. I explained to him the direct effect it has on us. ‘[The U.S.] is far away but [Turkey] is right there,’ I told him,” Gül said.
Gül added that there was currently “little reason for optimism” in Syria, while expressing the need for a well-prepared, second Geneva conference.
“I told Obama that they should prepare well for Geneva. Everything needs to be well done and without loopholes. Otherwise, there is no point in meeting again,” Gül said.
