Erdogan, Putin agree to more Aleppo cease-fire efforts

By Azernews

By Gunay Hasanova

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreed on September 8 to intensify their efforts to convince the warring parties in Syria to achieve a cease-fire in the city of Aleppo, Anadolu Agency reported.

During the phone call on September 8, the two leaders discussed Turkish-Russian bilateral relations as well as the latest developments in Syria, said presidential sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions of speaking to the media.

Erdogan stressed the importance of achieving a cease-fire as soon as possible in the northern city of Aleppo, a rebel-held city under a devastating siege.

Previously, Erdogan during the G20 summit said that Turkey and Russia are holding talks to achieve a ceasefire in Syria’s Aleppo. The Turkish president added that achieving a ceasefire in Aleppo is one of the most important issues for Turkey and Russia.

On August 24 morning, the Turkish Air Force with the support of the coalition aircraft launched an operation to liberate the city of Jarabulus from the IS militants in northern Syria, near Aleppo city.

The operation was carried out under the name “Shield of the Euphrates.” Jarabulus is located 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Turkish-Syrian border.

Ankara announced that this operation will continue until the PYD militants are completely liquidated.

Syria has been suffering from an armed conflict since March 2011, which, according to the UN, has so far claimed over 500,000 lives.

 Militants from various armed groups are confronting the Syrian government troops. The “Islamic State” (IS, ISIL, ISIS or Daesh), the YPG and the PYD are the most active terrorist groups in Syria.