Ankara considers the results of the parliamentary elections in Syria invalid, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said.
"A few days ago, elections were held in Syria. More precisely, they were pseudo-elections. And where is the reaction to them from countries that call themselves champions of democracy? Turkey is forced to stand up for the oppressed in Syria and protest," Erdogan said, speaking in Ankara.
He added that Turkey would maintain its military presence in Syria "until the Syrian people gain freedom and peace."
Parliamentary elections were held last Sunday only on the territory of Syria with a division by districts, where everyone has the right to vote only in their place of permanent residence. An exception was made in all elections during the war in the country for citizens who fled territories captured by terrorists. For residents of Idlib and Raqqa provinces, the authorities have installed additional urns in their places of temporary residence. Citizens of Syria who are located outside their homeland, according to the country's legislation, can not take part in the vote.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from RIA Novosti