Yuri Pilipson, Head of the 4th European Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said that Russia sees Turkey’s decision to launch a ground operation in Syria as an early step. The diplomat said this in an interview. TASS.
According to Pilipson, the Russian Federation and Turkey’s general staff and intelligence services are in close contact regarding the upcoming ground operation.
The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Russia is understanding to protect the “sensitive” southern borders for Turkey, but they are driven by the need to strictly observe the principles of Syria’s territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty.
According to the diplomat, such an operation is premature as it could lead to a further escalation of the situation in the region, resurgence of separatist sentiments and the start of an armed conflict.
“As you know, the Astana format, which today is the only effective way to resolve the crisis in SAR, was launched precisely thanks to the efforts of Russia, Turkey and Iran,” said Pilipson.
On 20 November, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense announced the start of Operation Claw-Sword in Syria and Iraq, especially the PKK. The justification for the operation was the terrorist attack that took place in the center of Istanbul on 13 November, which Ankara accused the party of being involved.
Former Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declarationThe Russian leader invited Vladimir Putin to the trilateral meeting of the leaders of Turkey, Russia and Syria.
Source: Gazeta
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