Turkey rules out changing Idlib de-escalation zone boundaries

Turkey's presidential spokesperson İbrahim Kalın has said that changing borders of the Idlib de-escalation zone in northwestern Syria, as determined by Astana and Sochi agreements, is out of the question.

Speaking at a news conference on Feb. 6, Ibrahim Kalın said it is not possible for Turkey to accept any proposal of change regarding the de-escalation zone.       

Kalın reiterated that Turkey's 12 observations points in northwestern Syria will remain in their places.

He also said the meeting of the Astana process might be held in March.       

Turkey, Russia, and Iran held meetings in Kazakhstan's Astana city in 2017 and announced that Idlib and neighboring cities, Eastern Ghouta region of capital Damascus and southern regions, namely Daraa and Quneitra cities, would be de-escalation zones.       

However, the Assad regime and Iranian-backed terror groups launched attacks in violation of the agreements and, thanks to Russian air support, gained control of all these territories with the exception of Idlib city.       

In September 2018, Turkey and Russia agreed to turn Idlib into a de-escalation zone where acts of aggression are expressly prohibited.       

The Syrian regime and its allies, have consistently broken the terms of the cease-fire -- including a fresh cease-fire on Jan. 12 -- launching frequent attacks inside the zone, killing at least 1,300 civilianssince the agreement.       

Migration flow from Syria       

Kalın said Turkey will continue its efforts with non-governmental organizations to prevent the further flow of refugees from Idlib.       

He emphasized that Turkey will provide necessary deployment and support to ensure the...

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