ANKARA, Turkey, March 9 (NNN-ANADOLU) – Turkey and Russia will begin joint patrols in Syria’s northern province of Idlib, Turkish Defence Minister, Hulusi Akar, said.
Speaking in an interview, Akar said, the joint patrols in the deescalation zone will be an important step for maintaining cease-fire and ensuring stability.
Akar denied concerns that Turkey was in direct contact with the Syrian government, saying, Ankara was only holding talks with Russia and Iran, when needed.
He said, Turkey expects the Syrian government to respect the truce in Idlib, adding that, Russia should prevent the Syrian government from carrying out attacks on Idlib.
Under the framework of the Astana talks among Turkey, Russia and Iran, the three countries are guarantors of cease-fire in Idlib and agree to establish deescalation zone there.
Turkey has established 12 observation points from Idlib’s north to south, in order to monitor and sustain the cease-fire agreement, deliver humanitarian aid, and to keep control on case of mass influx.– NNN-ANADOLU
