Erdoğan, Putin, Rouhani Convene

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After the bilateral talks held between Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who are the leaders of the three guarantor countries of Astana process, trilateral summit has begun.

Sputnik reported that in the press conference where agreement text has been signed following the closed meetings, the leaders have briefly spoken as follows:

Rouhani: The most effective method is to cooperate with Syria

“We’d underlined that militaristic ways were not useful in solving the Syrian issue. This meeting qualifies to be a follow up of Astana process.

“We understand some countries’ concerns of terrorism and separatism but we are of the opinion that the most effective method is to cooperate with Syrian government. We are fighting for peace. This fight shouldn’t harm civilians.

“We have to combat terrorism for permanent peace. Terrorism supporters of the US and zionist regime cannot change the crime by stirring up tumult.

“All sorts of roles belong to Syria for Syria’s future.

“Foreign military forces leaving the lands is important for Syria’s future.

“In order to maintain peace in Syria, Syria’s territorial integrity must be respected in every negotiation”.

Putin: Threat continues in Idlib

“The terrorist threat continues in the country, especially in Idlib even though significant progress has been made in normalization of Syria.

“The terrorist groups are preparing for a provocation by plotting a chemical attack.

“Humanitarian aid efforts to Syria will be made systematic for Syrian refugees to return their homes in masses.

“Security is strengthening in Syria. The number of civilians who can find a job is increasing. With Russia’s initiative, an international aid is being planned for Syrian refugees and those who were displaced by force to be able to return home. This initiative sees support from our Iranian and Turkish partners.

“There are many civilians in Idlib. For this reason, we have to take it into account in fight against the terrorists here”.

Erdoğan: Attack on Idlib spells disaster

“The least common denominators are ensuring political unity in Syria, protecting its territorial integrity and finding a peaceful solution to the dispute.

“For this reason, we aimed that violence in the field be stopped, humanitarian condition be improved and the way paved for political process.

“For whatever reason it is, any attack launched or to be launched on Idlib will result in disaster, massacre and a huge humanitarian situation.

“We cannot assent to security that our country provides being left to mercy of Esed regime, which is still in our memories with its massacres against its own people”.

“Turkey, which hosts 4.5 million predominantly Syrian people, has already filled its capacity of hosting refugees.

“We understand our Russian and Iranian friends’ concerns but always different methods are needed in fighting terrorists in a place like Idlib.

“Even though DEAŞ (ISIS) threat doesn’t exist anymore, we are highly disturbed by US continuing to empower another terrorist organization in the region”.

“Truce” dispute in the conference

In the press conference, while Erdoğan said that the expression “truce” must definitely be included in the summit declaration, Putin said that he understood Erdoğan but a truce couldn’t be declared on behalf of armed groups.

Supporting Putin, Rouhani stated that the groups must lay down arms and continue their struggle by political means.

Airstrike before the summit

On the other hand, three Russian and two Syrian jets hit regions of Kefer, Zeytei, Harbit and Abdin in Idlib today.

A few days ago, Russian jets had hit some areas held by the HTŞ in Idlib. (EKN/TK)