Russia and Türkiye reach breakthrough deal on Syria

(Baonghean.vn) - Russia and Türkiye have reached a common understanding on the crisis in Syria, including fighting against the terrorist force al-Nusra.

Al-Nusra forces at the Turkish border. Photo: Internet.

During a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Ankara considers not only the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) but also the Al-Nusra force as terrorists.

The two sides agreed that opposition groups should withdraw from territories controlled by terrorists.

The deal could be a breakthrough in the fight against terrorism in Syria. Russia has long insisted on excluding the al-Nusra Front from Syria negotiations.

Türkiye has supported al-Nusra Front. In an article, Turkish Foreign Ministry observer Aaron Stein said that Ankara supported al-Nusra forces against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which it considers a terrorist group.

Accordingly, Türkiye allows al-Nusra fighters to use its territory to prepare for attacks in Syria. Not only that, Ankara has long spoken out against international efforts to put al-Nusra Front on the terrorist list.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Türkiye has now accepted the new rules of the Syrian chessboard. Now, if the moderate opposition does not leave the areas controlled by terrorists, they will be considered accomplices.

Expert Theodore Karasik of the Washington-based Gulf State Analytics consultancy said that Türkiye's agreement with Russia on the issue of al-Nusra forces is extremely important and is considered Ankara's "corrective action".

Turkish Foreign Ministry observer Aaron Stein believes that “Türkiye is looking to narrow its goals in Syria.”

“To achieve these goals, Ankara will certainly need Russia’s support and must be willing to abandon its intention to overthrow Syrian President Bashar Assad. The recent letter sent by the Turkish President to the Russian President is a signal that Ankara is ready to change its policy in Syria,” said Aaron Stein.

Dawn

(According to Sputnik)