ANKARA
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Wednesday they have intelligence on the explosion near the Bab al Hawa crossing on Turkey-Syria border.
He asserted that Syria would suffer the consequences if it was an act of retaliation by the Syrian regime in response to the downing of a Syrian helicopter by Turkish jets.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Turkish capital Ankara on Wednesday with Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, Davutoglu said, "Turkish intelligence are looking at this incident. If this is the retaliation of the Syrian regime, they will suffer the consequences."
Davutoglu said negotiations for a "new Syria" could only be successfully held between members of the Syrian regime who did not partake in bloodshed and were "legitimate" and "moderate" opposition leaders.
Before the press conference, Davutoglu and his Finnish counterpart signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the exchange of diplomats.
Noting that bilateral relations gained momentum as many Finnish diplomats and officials visited Turkey following his visit to Finland last November, Davutoglu mentioned that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Finland this November.
Davutoglu said Turkey was grateful for Finland's support for Turkey's EU accession process.
He added that he had talked about developments in Balkans amid the stability in the region as well as the latest developments in Syria and Egypt.
Reminding that Turkey launched the "Friends of Mediation Group" joint initiative with Finland in 2010, Davutoglu said "we would continue to bring initiative members together and we would meet with them during the UN General Assemby session".
Tuomioja said Finland would commemorate 90 years of relations with Turkey next year.
"We have been always open to enlargement in the EU as Finland has been supporting Turkey in the accession process," he said.
In response to a question about which steps Turkey could take in the mediation of the Syrian crisis, Davutoglu said Turkey would be involved directly or indirectly in resolving crises in Africa, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.
On the Syrian crisis, Davutoglu said there had not even been an effort in the UN to resolve the Syrian crisis prior to Turkey's effort.
Davutoglu expressed that although the will for mediation was very important, the Syrian regime's goal unfortunately was to eliminate the opposition.
Turkish FM talks with Kerry on Syria
Davutoglu of Turkey held a phone conversation on Wednesday with US Secretary of State John Kerry.
Kerry reportedly informed the Turkish minister about the Syrian draft resolution which is to be presented to the UN Security Council.
Davutoglu also informed the US Secretary about the Syrian helicopter which was shot down by Turkish fighter jets after a violation of Turkish airspace on Monday, said diplomatic sources.
During the call, developments on the Syrian issue were evaluated in detail as well as the UN investigation report over the use of chemical weapons in Damascus on August 21.
Meanwhile, Davutoglu condemned the "mass shooting" in the Washington Navy Yard on Monday, conveying his condolences for those who lost their lives in the attack.
Davutoglu and Kerry agreed to be in close communication and coordination over the following days, added the sources.
