Mogherini Notes Importance Of Russia-Turkey Agreement On Idlib For Protection Of Civilians

MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 19th September, 2018) EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini discussed with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in a phone conversation on Tuesday the agreement reached on Syrian Idlib de-escalation zones by the presidents of Turkey and Russia, and noted that its implementation is important for protection of civilians in the area, the EU External Action Service said.

"Stressing that a military offensive in Idlib needs to be avoided and that Astana guarantors have committed to safeguard this last remaining de-escalation zone, Federica Mogherini underlined the importance of the implementation of yesterday's agreement. This should guarantee the protection of civilian lives and infrastructure, enable humanitarian access and provide basis for the renewal of the political process under the auspices of the UN and Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura, with a view of an inclusive, credible and sustainable political solution for Syria," the statement said.

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to set up a demilitarized zone in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib by October 15. Russian military police and Turkish forces will be patrolling the demilitarized zone along the contact line between the armed opposition and the government troops. All heavy weaponry operated by rebel groups must be pulled out of the demilitarized zone by October 10, the agreement stipulates.

Syria has been devastated by years of violent civil war that has prompted millions to flee hostilities to other locations within the country or abroad. The international community has taken efforts to settle the conflict by conducting political settlement talks in Geneva and reconciliation negotiations in Astana.