Countries supporting Turkey's military endeavor in Syria

[Turxanthus]

Countries that have so far voiced support for Turkey's anti-terror operation in NE Syria.

Turkic council members:
- Azerbaijan (two states one nation with Turkey)
- Kazakhstan (Nazarbayev is as holy as Japanese Emperor is in Japan)
- Uzbekistan (newbies to have just become permanent member)
- Kyrgyzistan (stuck far away next to China, but intention matters)

Turkic council observing members:
- Turkmenistan (closest cousins in Asia)
- Hungary (Attila, Avars, Magyars...)

Besides:
- Pakistan (traditional ally)
- Spain (dealing with Catalan version of YPG)
- Qatar (because they have purchased half of Turkey)
- Bulgaria (said they would open the refugee gates towards the West)
- Tripoli government (ally of Turkey in Libya)
- Venezuela
- Somali (African friends)
- Northern Cyprus (PM Ersin Tatar)


Turkic Council supports Turkey’s anti-terror operation
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/operation-p...ration/1614575



Who are opposed? Mainly the Arabs and the European Union.


EU sanctions against Turkey ‘on the table’
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-s...-france-syria/

Arab League Condemns Turkey’s Syria Incursion, Calls for UN Action
https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/...alls-un-action

[unseen]

Telephone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Turkish side’s initiative.

October 9, 2019 - 16:00

Spoiler!

Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan continued their exchange of views on Syrian problems, including in the context of the agreements reached in September in Ankara during the meeting of the leaders of the guarantor states in the Astana process. In light of the plans announced by Turkey to conduct a military operation in northeastern Syria, Vladimir Putin urged his Turkish partners to carefully consider the situation so as not to damage the overall efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis. At the same time, both sides reaffirmed the importance of ensuring the unity and territorial integrity of Syria and respect for its sovereignty.

Several current issues of bilateral cooperation were also discussed.

It was agreed to arrange further contacts at various levels.



The source of information

Comment by the Information and Press department on the developments in north-eastern Syria

11 October 2019 - 13:17

Spoiler!

Tensions on the Syrian-Turkish border have escalated to an alarming level in the past few days.

On October 9, after US troops pulled out of their strongholds in the border area, the Turkish armed forces entered the Syrian Arab Republic in the vicinity of Ras al-Ayn and Tal Abyad and moved on to a distance of 3-5 kilometres from the border. Artillery strikes and air raids have been directed at surface targets in the area. Casualties have been reported among the Kurdish armed groups and the Turkish military. Civilians have been killed and wounded; many civilians had to flee their homes and move deeper into Syrian territory.

We are seriously alarmed over the armed clashes in the border area and, in general, the escalation of tension and violence east of the Euphrates River. We consider it vital to prevent further destabilisation and the suffering of civilians in north-eastern Syria. In this connection we urge all the sides involved to show maximum restraint and to carefully consider their moves in the spirit of respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic.

We do not question the need to fight terrorists and to protect the security of Turkey, as well as all the other regional countries, from terrorist attacks. However, we believe that peace and stability in that part of Syria can only be ensured through a constructive dialogue based on respect between the government and the Kurds, who are an integral part of Syrian society. Moscow confirms its readiness to assist this dialogue, as well as any moves to normalise relations between the regional countries.



The source of information

Excerpts from Meeting of CIS Heads of State Council

The President of Russia took part in a regular meeting of the CIS Heads of State Council.

October 11, 2019 - 15:30 - Ashgabat

Spoiler!

Vladimir Putin:

We also consider efforts to counter the terrorism threat to be a priority area in the interaction between CIS countries. Following our meeting, we will approve a cooperation programme on counteracting terrorism and other violent manifestations of extremism for the next three years. We consider it very important and it should give an impetus to our joint efforts in this area.

After their defeat in Syria, many militants are relocating to other regions, where they will want to get a foothold: to the Balkans, Southeast Asia, and, unfortunately for us, to the southern regions of the Commonwealth.

Here is what I would like to inform you about, colleagues. We see what is happening in the north of Syria due to the Turkish military operation. I will not comment on it, for we will have another opportunity to discuss this matter, but there are certain things that cannot be omitted. That is, there are areas in northern Syria where ISIS militants are concentrated. Until recently, they were guarded by the Kurdish military. The Turkish army entered these areas and the Kurds left. In fact, these are the camps where ISIS militants are detained. They can simply scatter now. I am not sure that the Turkish army can – and how fast – gain control over these areas.

According to the Russian General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate, there are hundreds of militants there, and thousands of them, if we consider the CIS countries. This is a real threat to all of us. How and where will they head? Through Turkey’s territory? Through other territories? Will they withdraw to the Syrian hinterland, where there are areas that no one controls, and thence work their way to certain locations, through Iraq, through other countries in the region? We just have to understand this; we must know this and mobilise our secret service resources to cut short this emerging new threat.

This is why I think that the Commonwealth specialised agencies, specifically the CIS Anti-Terrorism Centre, should play an important role in carrying out this work. The Centre must coordinate operations by the national security agencies and secret services in a more dynamic way and cut short, among other things, the propaganda of terrorist ideology as well as any material, technical or financial support for the militants. Considering what I have just said, they should, of course, work in a specific and professional way to remove these threats.



The source of information

Excerpts from Interview with Al Arabiya, Sky News Arabia and RT Arabic

In advance of his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates Vladimir Putin answered questions from Al Arabiya senior presenter Mohammed Tomaihi, Sky News Arabia senior presenter Mohannad Khatib and RT Arabic Public and Political Programmes Department Head Salam Musafir.

October 13, 2019 - 13:00

Spoiler!

Mohannad Khatib:

Can we move to Syria now, Mr. President?

You recently announced a suspension of large-scale combat operations in Syria, and everyone is now hopeful that political settlement will work. You spoke about it at the Valdai Forum here in Russia. You said that Syria could become a good example of how such conflicts must be approached and settled.

Do you think that we can talk about a political settlement while other countries’ forces are still deployed in Syria? I mean the United States, Russia, Turkey and Iran? Is there hope to achieve stability in Syria amid these destabilising factors?



Vladimir Putin:

There is always hope. Do not ever give it up. I can only agree with you that all the forces deployed illegitimately inside any sovereign state – in this case Syria – must leave. This is true for everyone. If Syria’s new legitimate government chooses to say that they have no more need for Russia’s military presence, this will be just as true for Russia. Right now, we are discussing this openly with all our partners, including Iran and Turkey. We spoke about it with our American partners many times. And I will be as open with you as I have been with my counterparts: Syria must be free from other states’ military presence. And the territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic must be completely restored.





Mohannad Khatib:

Do you have a vision for Syria’s political future? And what role does Russia play in it?



Vladimir Putin:

It is a difficult question, and it is a question that only Syrians can answer. I hope that they do so not by taking up arms and fighting a war against their own people, but through negotiations, in this case, as I said, in Geneva. The very first step along this path is to work on the country’s Constitution, whether by amending the existing Constitution or drafting a new one. In either case, it must protect the interests of all the ethnic and religious groups. People need to know that they live in their own country and that it protects them by law. This must be equally true for Sunnis and Shia, for Alawites and Christians, because Syria has always been a state with many religions, and it could pride itself on this. Only insane people could have started a deranged, purging campaign, killing other people, as these terrorists did in Syria.

Again, it will not be easy; it will be a difficult process, but I believe it can work. Do you know why I feel positive about it? People are returning home. We are talking thousands of people. They are returning from abroad and from other Syrian provinces. They are coming home. This is a sure sign of the trust they have in the situation we have today; they trust the government and its guarantees, and they trust the guarantor states.

I am happy to say that Syrians welcome and trust Russian troops and Russia’s military police. The military police units deployed there are doing a good job. They are mostly Muslims from the North Caucasus. And the local residents trust them and feel free to ask them for help and protection. I have reports of such cases. I am happy to say all this, but in order to have long-term peace, people need to find a way to settle things between themselves. The worst peace is always better than the best of wars.



The source of information

Telephone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the initiative of the Turkish side.

October 15, 2019 - 23:00

Spoiler!

The two leaders continued discussing developments in Syria, including in its northern regions. They pointed out the need to prevent conflicts between the Turkish army and the Syrian government armed forces.

The President of Russia noted the deterioration of the humanitarian situation along the Syrian-Turkish border. He said that the terrorists, including those from ISIS, who are being protected by armed Kurdish groups, must not be allowed to take advantage of this situation.

The terrorists have undertaken attempts to break out of the region and to escape into neighbouring countries.

The presidents of Russia and Turkey called for continuing the process of political settlement in Syria and expressed their resolve to promote the convocation of the UN-sponsored Constitutional Committee in Geneva in late October.

Both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic.

Vladimir Putin invited Recep Tayyip Erdogan to make a working visit to Russia in the next few days. The Turkish President accepted the invitation.



The source of information

Excerpts from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answers to questions following his speech at the 18th meeting of heads of special services, security agencies and law-enforcement bodies, Sochi, October 16, 2019

16 October 2019 - 14:14

Spoiler!

Question:

When will President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey visit Russia? Have you decided what issues to discuss with him?



Sergey Lavrov:

You will be informed of this as soon as it is set. I think the Presidential Executive Office will announce it. The issues were determined in yesterday’s report in a telephone conversation between President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Naturally, they primarily concern the situation in Syria, the efforts to ensure its sovereignty and territorial integrity and the uncompromising struggle against leftover terrorists. At the same time, it is necessary to promote the political process, that is, organise the first inauguration meeting of the Constitutional Committee.



Question:

Who will guarantee that the Turkish Army will not go beyond the limits of the Adana Agreement?



Sergey Lavrov:

We have already emphasised that we stand for settling the current situation via dialogue between the government and the Kurdish groups. This dialogue has been launched and is producing specific results. At the same time, we have always said that we recognize the existence of Turkey’s lawful interests in ensuring the security of its borders and the development of practical cooperation between Damascus and Ankara along the lines of the 1998 Adana agreement. The militaries of both countries should determine the specific parameters of this cooperation locally. We are willing to facilitate this dialogue.



The source of information

Press release on Russia-Turkey consultations on Syria in Ankara

17 October 2019 - 19:30

Spoiler!

The Russian President’s Special Envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentiev and Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin met, as part of Russia’s interdepartmental delegation, with Special Adviser to the President of Turkey Ibrahim Kalin and Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal in Ankara on October 17.

A detailed exchange of views took place on the situation on the ground in Syria, primarily in light of the current escalation of tensions in northeast Syria. The common belief was confirmed that achieving lasting and long-term stabilisation on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, in Syria and the entire region is only possible if it is based on restoring Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

In addition, preparations for convening the Constitutional Committee in Geneva in late October were reviewed. The participants expressed their willingness and commitment to help advance the political process led and carried out by the Syrians themselves, in accordance with UNSCR 2254.

There was also a meeting with the leaders of the High Negotiations Committee, including the chairman Nasr al-Hariri and the opposition’s constitutional committee co-chair Hadi al-Bahra.



The source of information

[Dimos]

Countries that have so far voiced support for Turkey's anti-terror operation in NE Syria.

Turkic council members:
- Azerbaijan (two states one nation with Turkey)
- Kazakhstan (Nazarbayev is as holy as Japanese Emperor is in Japan)
- Uzbekistan (newbies to have just become permanent member)
- Kyrgyzistan (stuck far away next to China, but intention matters)

Turkic council observing members:
- Turkmenistan (closest cousins in Asia)
- Hungary (Attila, Avars, Magyars...)

Besides:
- Pakistan (traditional ally)
- Spain (dealing with Catalan version of YPG)
- Qatar (because they have purchased half of Turkey)
- Bulgaria (said they would open the refugee gates towards the West)
- Tripoli government (ally of Turkey in Libya)
- Venezuela
- Somali (African friends)
- Northern Cyprus (PM Ersin Tatar)


Turkic Council supports Turkey’s anti-terror operation
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/operation-p...ration/1614575

La crème de la crème

[unseen]

Beginning of Russian-Turkish talks

October 22, 2019 - 14:00 - Sochi

Spoiler!

President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr President, friends,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you. Thank you for accepting our invitation.





The situation in the region is very acute; all of us can see and understand this. I believe that our meeting today and our consultations are quite needed.





I would like to express my hope that the level of Russian-Turkish relations that has been reached over the recent period will play a role of its own in settling all complicated issues that have taken shape in the region today and will make it possible to find answers to all, even very difficult, questions in the interests of both Turkey and Russia, as well as in the interests of all countries in the region.

Welcome.






President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan (retranslated):

Thank you, Mr President.





First of all, I would like to thank you for your invitation. I think this invitation will be of use precisely in the period when a very difficult situation is emerging in our region.





We certainly have been in contact before this and maintained close liaison. Thus, we will be able to preserve relations of partnership between our delegations during our talks and compare notes.





Today’s meeting will enable us to discuss this situation in more detail and this undoubtedly will make it possible to ensure peace. The operation titled Peace Spring will usher in a new reality.





I would like to express my gratitude once again. Thank you very much.



The source of information

Press statement following Russian-Turkish talks

October 22, 2019 - 20:00 - Sochi

Spoiler!

President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen,

We thank the President of Turkey for accepting our offer made during a recent telephone conversation, and today he and representatives of his delegation arrived in Sochi to discuss the developments in the Syrian Arab Republic, including in the northeast, beyond the Euphrates.





Mr Erdogan gave a detailed explanation of the goals of the Turkish military operation along the Syrian border. We have noted many times that we understand Turkey’s desire to take measures that would guarantee its national security.

We share Turkey’s concerns about the growing threat of terrorism and ethnic and religious disputes in that region. We believe these disputes and separatist sentiments have been fueled artificially from the outside.

It is important to prevent members of terrorist organisations, such as ISIS, whose militants have been taken prisoners by Kurd military groups and try to break free, from taking advantage of the actions of the Turkish military units.





Syria must be liberated from illegal foreign military presence. We believe that the only way to achieve strong and long-lasting stability in Syria is to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. This is our principled position, and we have discussed it with the President of Turkey.

It is important that our Turkish partners share this approach. The Turks and the Syrians will have to protect peace on the border together, which would be impossible without mutually respectful cooperation between the two countries.

In addition to this, a broad dialogue between the Syrian government and the Kurds living in northeastern Syria must be launched. It is clear that all the rights and interests of the Kurds as an integral part of the multi-ethnic Syrian nation can only be fully considered and fulfilled via such an inclusive dialogue.





Of course, during our talks with the President of Turkey, we discussed further steps to promote the peaceful political process in Syria, which the Syrians will conduct within the Constitutional Committee in cooperation with the United Nations.

The guarantors of the Astana format have meticulously worked on it for many years.

We believe the situation on the ground must not prevent the long-awaited launch of the committee in Geneva next week – October 29–30.





Naturally, we also discussed humanitarian issues. We consider it necessary to continue helping Syrian refugees to return home, which will substantially alleviate the socioeconomic burden shouldered by the countries that agreed to take in Syrians. First and foremost this applies to the Republic of Turkey.

We urge the international community, primarily relevant UN agencies, to be more active in rendering humanitarian aid to all Syrians going home, without any discrimination, politicisation and preconditions. We also used today’s meeting to discuss current bilateral issues.





We noted with satisfaction our growing trade. Last year it increased by 16 percent. We exchanged views on what to do in the near future and expressed confidence that the implementation of the agreements on settlements and payments in national currencies signed in early October will also facilitate the further growth of trade.

We spoke about an important document that provides not only for more active use of the ruble and lira but also broader acceptance of the Russian Mir cards in Turkey and the connection of Turkish banks and companies to the Bank of Russia’s financial messaging system. I believe this is yet another step forward on expanding tourist exchanges.





We spoke about the whole package of our relations, including major projects that we are actively and successfully developing. We are also deepening our military-technical cooperation. I would like to note that cross-years of culture and tourism are held with success in Russia and Turkey.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the President of Turkey and all our friends and colleagues for a business-like and sincere conversation. We intend to further develop our cooperation in all areas on the principles of neighbourliness and respect for each other’s interests.





I am pleased to say that as a result of lengthy and intensive work we managed to make decisions that the foreign ministers of our countries will voice after our statements.

I think these decisions are very important, if not historic, and will allow us to settle the fairly acute situation on the Syrian-Turkish border.





* * *

After the presidents of Russia and Turkey made statements for the press, the foreign ministers of the two countries read out the text of the memorandum of understanding adopted following the Russian-Turkish talks.



The source of information

Memorandum of Understanding Between Turkey and the Russian Federation

October 22, 2019

Spoiler!

President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President of The Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin agreed on the following points:

1. The two sides reiterate their commitment to the preservation of the political unity and territorial integrity of Syria and the protection of national security of Turkey.

2. They emphasize their determination to combat terrorism in all forms and manifestations and to disrupt separatist agendas in the Syrian territory.

3. In this framework, the established status quo in the current Operation Peace Spring area covering Tel Abyad and Ras Al Ayn with a depth of 32 km will be preserved.

4. Both sides reaffirm the importance of the Adana Agreement. The Russian Federation will facilitate the implementation of the Adana Agreement in the current circumstances.

5. Starting 12.00 noon of October 23, 2019, Russian military police and Syrian border guards will enter the Syrian side of the Turkish-Syrian border, outside the area of Operation Peace Spring, to facilitate the removal of YPG elements and their weapons to the depth of 30 km from the Turkish-Syrian border, which should be finalized in 150 hours. At that moment, joint Russian-Turkish patrols will start in the west and the east of the area of Operation Peace Spring with a depth of 10 km, except Qamishli city.

6. All YPG elements and their weapons will be removed from Manbij and Tal Rifat.

7. Both sides will take necessary measures to prevent infiltrations of terrorist elements.

8. Joint efforts will be launched to facilitate the return of refugees in a safe and voluntary manner.

9. A joint monitoring and verification mechanism will be established to oversee and coordinate the implementation of this memorandum.

10. The two sides will continue to work to find a lasting political solution to the Syrian conflict within Astana Mechanism and will support the activity of the Constitutional Committee.



The source of information

Telephone conversation with President of Syria Bashar al-Assad

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar al-Assad at the Russian side’s initiative.

October 22, 2019 - 22:35

Spoiler!

The Russian leader informed President al-Assad on the results of his meeting with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan and set out the main provisions of the memorandum of understanding which was coordinated after the consultations.

The President of Russia noted that the main goal is to restore Syria’s territorial integrity and continue joint efforts to reach a settlement by political means, including through the work of the Constitutional Committee.

Bashar al-Assad supported these decisions. He thanked Vladimir Putin and voiced his complete support for the results that have been achieved, and stated that Syrian border guards are ready to deploy to the Syrian-Turkish border together with Russian military police units.



The source of information

[Sche]

It's nice when Russia and Turkey are friends, not fighting.

[Turxanthus]

Turkey and Russia declared to have reached a deal. Accordingly, Turkey is set to keep the zones it has taken during the operations of last week.
As for the remaining part of the Syria-Turkey border zone (mostly closer parts to Iraqi border) they shall be patrolled by joint Turkish-Russian units.
YPG is set to withdraw.

Medias claim that Russia warned YPG that if they do not pull out, they shall be attacked by Turkish Army.

[Petros Houhoulis]

It's nice when Russia and Turkey are friends, not fighting.

It's even better when Russia stops the canines from getting further than 12 km from their borders, and only when they are accompanied by Russian patrols as well!!!

BRAVO PUTIN!!!

[Petros Houhoulis]

Turkey and Russia declared to have reached a deal. Accordingly, Turkey is set to keep the zones it has taken during the operations of last week.
As for the remaining part of the Syria-Turkey border zone (mostly closer parts to Iraqi border) they shall be patrolled by joint Turkish-Russian units.
YPG is set to withdraw.

Medias claim that Russia warned YPG that if they do not pull out, they shall be attacked by Turkish Army.

Meanwhile, you'll get to keep the Muzzie refugees in your soil, and pay for the cost of your military operations, another cause for your future bankruptcy, and everybody shall be happy - well, except for Turkey of course, but who cares???