Foreign ministers from Iran, Russia, Syria and Turkey to meet in Moscow for Syria talks

The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia, Syria and Turkey may hold a meeting in May in Moscow, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Friday, as part of efforts to rebuild Turkey-Syria ties after years of animosity during Syria's civil war.

Cavusoglu also replied to the requests for the Syrian side which conditions Turkey’s withdrawal from Syria for the start of the negotiations.

“As long as there is no agreement on the political process in the country and a road map that will unite the country, there would be a blood bath as soon as we withdraw. The civil war will continue. When these conflicts continue, many refugees will come to our door. This has many risks,” he said.

Çavusoglu went on to say Turkey is committed to ensuring that the return of Syrian refugees is carried out in a safe and secure manner, with adequate measures in place to ensure the protection and welfare of those returning, including access to education, healthcare, employment, and other basic needs.

NATO member Turkey has backed political and armed opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during the 12-year civil war, and sent its own troops into the country's north.