File photo
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu spoke over the phone on Thursday about regional security and the latest developments in Syria.
Following the call, Akar delivered statements regarding the situation in Syria's Idlib.
"Turkey strives for ensuring security, preventing attacks, and giving aid to nearly 3.5-4 million people in Syria's Idlib without violating the ceasefire,” he said.
Hulusi Akar (C)
“Our aim is to ensure the implementation of what was determined during the Astana process, and to enable Syrians to return to their homes in peace,” he added.
Located near the Turkish border, Idlib in May 2017 was designated as a de-escalation zone endorsed by Turkey, Russia and Iran where acts of aggression are expressly forbidden as part of the ongoing Astana process.
Nevertheless, for the past two months, the Idlib de-escalation zone has been the target of particular fierce airstrikes by Russia and Assad regime forces.
Turkey is collaborating with Russia and Iran "to prevent an Aleppo-like disaster" in Syria's Idlib, said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Thursday.“We are a nation that wins on the field not at the table. That is why at every opportunity we say that we should be present on the field, be strong in the field, and succeed at the field,” Erdoğan said, speaking at a Victory Day reception in capital Ankara.“This is how we destroyed the terror corridor along our borders with Syria.”Russia warns US against 'illegal aggression against Syria'His remarks come amid UN warnings of a planned operation by Syria regime forces in Idlib province that would lead to a "humanitarian disaster".Idlib falls within a network of de-escalation zones -- endorsed by Turkey, Russia and Iran -- in which acts of aggression are expressly prohibited.“By holding talks with Americans, we are looking to clear Manbij in Syria from terrorists,” he added.The Manbij deal between Turkey and the U.S. focuses on the withdrawal of the PKK-affiliated YPG terror group from the city in order to stabilize the region.UN chief 'deeply concerned' by possible Idlib offensive
Turkey working to prevent 'disaster' in Syria: Erdoğan
Constructive, positive talks with Russia
The defense minister stated that he had a “very constructive and positive discussion” with Shoigu.
Akar said that in the coming days, concrete steps would be taken to ensure Syria’s north, including Idlib, would become safe and secure.
Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem said on Thursday that regime forces will "go all the way" in the opposition-held northern region of Idlib after talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
Turkey working to prevent Idlib disaster
“The attacks of the [Syrian] regime, which has slaughtered over one million of its own people know no end. They are firing at Idlib, which hosts innocent people, in land and air attacks,” Akar said.
“We are continuing our diplomatic and military communication in this regard. Turkey is working to prevent these attacks by taking precautionary measures and discussing the matter with the relevant states,” he added.
Turkish defense minister and his Russian counterpart spoke over the phone about regional security, according to a Turkish ministerial source on Thursday.Turkey’s Hulusi Akar and Russia's Sergey Shoygu discussed regional security and the latest developments in Syria on a phone call, the source told Anadolu Agency on condition on anonymity due to the restrictions on speaking to the media.The ministers also exchanged views on bilateral cooperation, the source added.UN chief 'deeply concerned' by possible Idlib offensive‘US to lose region if it loses Turkey,’ says expertErdoğan hosts Iranian FM in AnkaraFrench FM urges for a political solution in Syria
Turkish, Russian ministers discuss regional security
Pace of fight against terror to quicken
“As a result of Operation Euphrates Shield, 3,000 Daesh terrorists were neutralized. We are the only state that came face to face with Daesh on the field. Others took up the struggle from the air. Afrin was cleared of terror elements thanks to Operation Olive Branch, and close to 5,000 terrorists were neutralized. The pace of our fight against terror will quicken in the coming days,” Akar said.
The United Nations called on Russia, Iran and Turkey on Thursday to forestall a battle in Syria's Idlib province which would affect millions of civilians.
Idlib and areas surrounding it are the last major enclave held by groups opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after he cracked down on pro-democracy protests with unexpected ferocity in 2011, engulfing the country in a seven-year civil war.