Yildirim: Turkey to take more active role in Syrian conflict

Turkey will take a more active role in addressing the conflict in Syria in the next six months to prevent the war-torn country being divided along ethnic lines, the Turkish Prime Binali Yildirim said.

"Turkey will be more active in the Syria issue in the coming six months as a regional player. This means to not allow Syria to be divided on any ethnic base, for Turkey this is crucial," Reuters cited Yildirim as saying.   Yildirim also told a group of reporters in Istanbul that while Syrian President Bashar Assad could have a role in the interim leadership, he must play no part in its future.