Russia urges Turkey to de-escalate op in Syria, Iraq
Alexander Lavrentiev, special envoy of the Russian President to Syria, called on Turkey to show restraint following that country's strikes against Kurdish-aligned forces in northern Syria and Iraq.
Speaking at the beginning of the 19th international meeting on Syria in Kazakhstan, Lavrentiev (pictured) underlined it is pivotal to find a peaceful solution to the "Kurdish issue." The envoy added Moscow will urge Ankara to "exercise certain restraint in order to prevent an escalation of tensions, not only in the northern and northeastern regions of Syria but throughout the entire territory."
Emphasizing that Russia asks its "Turkish partners to refrain from using excessive force on Syrian territory," Lavrentiev noted that Turkey did not notify his country about the operation in Syria and Iraq prior to its start. His remarks come after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that the assault, nicknamed "Operation Claw-Sword," will not be limited to air strikes only.