Analyst Questions Turkey’s Positive Role in Syria
DAMASCUS - (Tasnim) – A military analyst expressed doubts about Turkey’s determination to help resolve the lingering crisis in Syria, saying Turkey’s comments about the likelihood of ground military operation inside Syria contradict its role in policing de-escalation zones with Iran and Russia.
There are serious doubts about Turkey’s determination to help settle the crisis in Syria by cooperating with Iran and Russia in ensuring security in the de-escalation zones that have been agreed on in the Astana peace talks, Hassan al-Hassan, an expert in military and strategic affairs, told Tasnim.
It defies logic that Turkey has signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran and Russia on de-escalation zones in Syria, but at the same time, Turkish officials have not ruled out the possibility of carrying out ground military operations in the Arab country, which would amount to the violation of Syria’s sovereignty, he said.
It is too early to comment on the results of the fifth round of the Astana Syria talks, Hassan added, saying, “I once again stress the need for a serious role for Turkey, and am among those being doubtful about such (Turkish) seriousness.”
The most recent round of diplomatic talks for settling the Syria crisis ended in the Kazakh city of Astana on Wednesday, with reports suggesting that the participants have reached only partial agreement on de-escalation zones in the Arab country.
The previous round of Astana talks in May had produced an agreement on de-escalation zones in Syria, sharply reducing fighting in the country.
The agreement -initiated by Iran, Russia, and Turkey- also envisages creation of conditions for the delivery of medical assistance, restoration of damaged infrastructure, and return of displaced civilians to their homes.
According to a joint statement after the Wednesday meeting, the three sides have formed a working group to finalize an agreement on creating de-escalation zones in Syria.
Meanwhile, Sputnik quoted a source at the talks as saying that the parties have reached an agreement on only two out of the four de-escalation zones, but will adopt the whole package of documents related to the issue during the next round of negotiations.
According to the source, Turkey had a position different from that of Syria and Iran on the issue of detainees' release.
