Russia and Turkey agreed Thursday on a ceasefire in the de-escalation zone in Idlib, a development that could ease escalating conflicts and facilitate a peace process in the war-torn country.
The ceasefire became effective from 00:01 a.m. on Friday local time. Russia and Turkey also agreed to create a safety corridor 6 km to the north and 6 km to the south from the strategic M4 highway, which connects Aleppo in northern Syria with Latakia in the northwest.
Also in the press encounter, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Vassily Nebenzia said the ceasefire does not "exempt" operations targeting terrorists in the area, and that he hopes the sporadic fighting after the ceasefire took effect will be put out.
Britain and Germany's UN ambassadors also expressed hope that the fresh ceasefire will last.
In 2018, the two countries agreed on a deal in the southern Russian city of Sochi, which created a "de-escalation" zone in Idlib and allowed for the deployment of 12 Turkish observation posts. However, the "de-escalation" zone has been repeatedly violated.
More than 30 Turkish soldiers were killed last month around the area during an operation of the Syrian government, which Russia backs. The operation was attempting to regain control of the final rebel stronghold in the country after nearly nine years of war.
In response, Turkey targeted Syrian positions with aircraft, drones and artillery, raising fears of a direct military confrontation between Russia and Turkey.
【国内英语资讯:China welcomes Russia-Turkey agreement on ceasefire in Idlib: envoy】相关文章:
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