Erdogan Walks Back Refusal to Meet Pence for Syria Talks
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday agreed to meet with Vice President Mike Pence to discuss a cease-fire in Syria, abruptly shifting his position after earlier refusing and saying he would only negotiate with President Donald Trump.
In a statement tweeted by his communications director, Erdogan confirmed he plans to meet with Pence when the vice president arrives in Turkey on Wednesday afternoon with a high-level delegation, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and special envoy for the conflict James Jeffrey. The trip follows an announcement that the Trump administration intends to levy harsh sanctions against Turkey in response for its invasion into Syria.
It remains unclear why Erdogan changed his mind shortly after saying he would only negotiate with the U.S. leader, who is not scheduled to be on the trip.
"When Trump comes here, I'll talk to him," Erdogan said earlier, adding that Pence and Pompeo would speak with their counterparts on Thursday and not directly with him.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/erdogan-walks-back-refusal-to-meet-pence-for-syria-talks/ar-AAIS4jA
He probably just wants to see how much Pence will Kowtow to him.
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