Russia Warns Turkey on Idlib: Approval of Damascus Must be Received

* Photograph: Official website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia

Click to read the article in Turkish

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Maria Zakharova made a statement regarding a possible military operation in the east of Euphrates last evening (August 15).

Touching upon Turkey's stance in Syria, she commented on President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's statements on "an operation in the east of Euphrates" in Syria.

Emphasis on approval by Damascus

In the statement published on the official website of the Foreign Ministry of Russia, Maria Zakharova has emphasized that "the approval of Damascus has to be received for all counter terrorism activities to be undertaken in Syria" and stated the following in brief:

"The situation in Syria continues to be tense. The most difficult situation is in the Idlib de-escalation zone.

'We hope Turkey will abide by Sochi memorandum'

"Russia remains committed to the Sochi memorandum of September 17, 2018 on establishing a demilitarised zone. However, it should not be used as an excuse to protect and shield the terrorists that were qualified as such by the UN Security Council.

"We hope our Turkish partners will also abide strictly by the commitment assumed in this memorandum.

'Russia's approach has remained unchanged'

"Attempts to isolate Syria's northeast are a source of growing concern. Russia's approach to this issue has remained unchanged.

"As before, we support efforts to reach long-term stability and security in the northeast by restoring Syria's sovereignty and a productive dialogue between Damascus and the Kurds as part of the Syrian people." (PT/SD)