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Erdogan talks with Putin about the conflict in Syria

2024-12-03 21:07:31, Kosova & Bota CNA

The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and that of Russia, Vladimir Putin, have expressed the need for more diplomacy to resolve the conflict in northern Syria, during a telephone conversation they held on December 3 after the resumption of fighting.

According to a press release issued by Erdogan's office, the Turkish leader said Syria should not become a source of major instability.

"President Erdogan emphasized that while Turkey continues to support the territorial integrity of Syria, it also seeks a just and permanent solution in Syria," Erdogan told Putin during the phone conversation, the Turkish leader's office said in a statement published on X.

He also said that it is important to open more spaces for diplomacy in the region and that the Syrian regime should engage in the political solution process.

Erdogan has vowed that Turkey will maintain its position regarding the fight against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PPK), which has been declared a terrorist organization by Turkey and the United States, and its "extensions" that are trying to take advantage of the developments in last in Syria, the announcement said.

Erdogan and Putin held the phone conversation as Syrian rebels are advancing against government forces after taking control of Aleppo last week. On December 3, rebels approached the city of Hama, the rebels and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on December 3 that the death toll from the rebel offensive in northern Syria has reached 602, including 104 civilians.

The attack on the city of Hama would increase pressure on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who is backed by Russia and Iran against opposition forces. This city has been under the control of the Government since the civil war started in 2011.

The Kremlin said Putin stressed the need for "a quick end to the terrorist aggression against the Syrian state by radical groups." The two leaders stressed the importance of close coordination between Russia, Turkey and Iran on this issue, the statement issued by the Kremlin said.

"The two presidents will continue to be in contact in the context of seeking steps to reduce tensions," the announcement said.

The Syrian civil war had been dormant for years until a major offensive launched by militants in northwest Syria revived the conflict.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies last week took control of most of Aleppo city and surrounding rural areas.

This is the biggest offensive that has taken place in Syria in recent years.

HTS is a militant Islamic group that seeks the creation of a state in Syria that would be governed by Islamic law. This group, which is declared a terrorist organization by the United States, is believed to have between 5,000 and 10,000 fighters, according to US intelligence estimates./ REL