Russia: The Reason of Current Deterioration in Idlib is Turkey

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA) - Archive

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Maria Zakharova, the Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of Russia, has referred to "Turkey's chronic failure to fulfill its commitments" as the reason for the escalating tension in Syria's Idlib.

As reported by Sputnik News Agency, Maria Zakharova has addressed the issue at her weekly briefing in following words:

"We see the reasons for the current deterioration in Turkey's chronic failure to fulfil its commitments under the Sochi memorandum of September 17, 2018, and the transfer by Ankara of Turkey-controlled units of the so-called moderate armed opposition to northeastern Syria into the zone of Operation Peace Spring and to Libya."

Emphasizing that "Russia remains committed to the agreements reached earlier and is determined to continue working together with Turkey on the settlement of the conflict in Syria", Zakharova has added:

"We expect that Russian and Turkish representatives will carry on working out a complex solution to Idlib problem in the near future. The other day, the Russian inter-departmental delegation visited Ankara and a schedule of regular contacts between agencies is now being drafted."

Ministry of Defense: Turkey's presence makes the situation worse

The Ministry of Defense of Russia has also issued a statement regarding the latest situation in Idlib.

"Statements by Turkish representatives about alleged attacks by Russian forces on civilians in the Idlib de-escalation zone do not correspond with reality", the Ministry has said in its statement and added:

"The real reason for the crisis in the Idlib de-escalation zone unfortunately is the non-fulfilment by our Turkish colleagues of their undertakings to separate moderate opposition militants from terrorists."

The Ministry has further indicated that "the presence of Turkish troops and armor in Idlib is making the situation there much worse, as is the transport of weapons and ammunition across the Syrian-Turkish border." (EKN/SD)