Russian diplomat Yury Pilipson views Ankara’s possible ground operation in North and East Syria as a premature step.
Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Fourth European Department Yury Pilipson spoke to Russian News Agency about the recent Turkish attacks into northern Syria.
“We understand that issues related to the protection of Turkey’s southern border are sensitive for our partners but we proceed from the need to strictly comply with the principles of the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of the Syrian state,” said Pilipson.
“On the whole, we view such an operation as a premature step because it may lead to a further rise in tensions, boosting separatist sentiment and fuelling armed confrontation,” the diplomat stressed.
Underlining how the relevant ministries of Russia and Turkey maintain close contact on Syria, Pilipson added, “It is well known that the Astana platform, the only effective one in terms of resolving the Syrian crisis, was launched through the efforts of Russia, Turkey and Iran.”
Last week, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said that Moscow is continuing efforts to persuade Ankara to give up plans to launch a ground operation against Kurdish forces in northeast Syria.
Despite US and Russia’s efforts, Turkey plans to carry out an operation in Syria to create a 30-km security zone along the border.
