国际英语资讯:Spotlight: Moscow exerts pressure on Ankara over Turkey-U.S. safe zone deal: experts_时事

国际英语资讯:Spotlight: Moscow exerts pressure on Ankara over Turkey-U.S. safe zone deal: experts

Russia is telling Turkey that Ankara should not set up a safe zone in coordination with Washington only without the involvement of Russia or Damascus, according to Baburoglu.

He recalled that Russian officials have said recently that any anti-terror operations by Turkey in the east of Euphrates should be carried out in cooperation with Damascus.

Last week, Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized in a statement that "all counter-terrorism activities to be undertaken in Syria have to receive the approval from Damascus ... Attempts to isolate Syria's northeast are a source of growing concern."

The attack came at a time when the Syrian army has captured several towns and many villages from the rebels in the southern part of Idlib.

Syria and Russia wanted to take control of M5 Hama-Aleppo highway, which has crucial strategic importance in logistics supplies, Baburoglu said.

Turkey's 9th and 10th observation points in the south of Idlib, which were established under an agreement between Turkey and Russia to ease tension in the region, are located in a significant area on these supply routes, Baburoglu noted.

As of Tuesday, Turkey's 9th observation post in Morek is surrounded by the forces of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Tuesday denied that Turkey intends to withdraw or relocate its soldiers in the area, adding that the observation posts will continue its mission and his country will take necessary additional security measures.