Putin: Russia ready for new military operation in Idlib
Russia is prepared to actively support the Syrian army in the elimination of militants in Idlib, said Russian President Vladimir Putin at the end of a quadrilateral summit in Istanbul, which was broadcast by RIA Novosti.
“The Syrians themselves must deal with the future of their country,” Putin said. In order for this to happen, the measures necessary for conflict resolution in the country need to be ensured. “First and foremost, we must ensure the launch of a constitutional committee in Geneva,” the Russian President noted. However, this organization must also take into account the results of the negotiations in Sochi.
Putin noted that the agreement on a de-escalation zone in Idlib was temporary, and that Moscow is expecting Ankara to hastily withdraw all of its armed groups from Syria. If the militants in the Idlib zone continue their attacks, Russia is prepared to actively support the Syrian army, Putin promised: “If radical elements obstruct this task, and carry out armed provocation in the Idlib zone, Russia reserves the right to offer effective support to the decisive actions of the Syrian government, in order to eliminate this hotbed of the terrorist threat.”
French President Emmanuel Macron spoke against a military operation in Idlib. He says that it is necessary to distinguish between the “opposition” and the “terrorists” in Syria. “Of course, a military operation of the Syrian regime would be unacceptable in the case of Idlib. This would lead to a new wave of refugees, and the terrorists escaping into other countries,” he said.
The summit in Istanbul between the leaders of Russia, Turkey, Germany and France was the first ever meeting in this format initiated by Turkish President Recep Erdogan. Although Erdogan intended for the meeting to take place at the end of July, arrangements took far longer than expected, only being completed last week.