Russia, Iran, Turkey, Syria to possibly meet for Ankara-Damascus talks
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Sergey Lavrov Lavrov revealed that the last Russia-Iran-Turkey-Syria summit was beneficial, but the parties were unable to agree on the next actions.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov gestures while speaking at his annual news conference in Moscow, Russia on January 18, 2024 (AP)
A conference under the Russia-Iran-Turkey-Syria format to repair relations between Ankara and Damascus is planned for the near future, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
He noted that the parties were able to convene a conference in 2023 with the involvement of the military, foreign, and intelligence ministries to examine circumstances that may lead to the restoration of relations between Syria and Turkey.
In a Saturday interview with RT, Lavrov said "We are now proceeding from the expediency of preparing another meeting," adding that he was sure it will be in "the foreseeable future. We are interested in our partners in Damascus and Ankara normalizing their relations."
Lavrov also revealed that the last Russia-Iran-Turkey-Syria summit was beneficial, but the parties were unable to agree on the next actions.
The minister also added that Syria believes the process can only be continued if a decision is made for "the eventual withdrawal of Turkish contingents from Syria."
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"The Turks are ready for this, but so far it has not been possible to agree on specific terms. We are talking about the return of refugees, and the measures necessary to suppress the terrorist threat, which will make the stay of the Turkish contingents unnecessary. All of this is in the works."
Lavrov also voiced optimism for negotiations between Damascus and Syrian Kurds.
Russia says serious preparations needed for Syria-Turkey meeting
In early August, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov revealed that Russia supports the reconciliation effort between Syria and Turkey and the progression of mending ties between them.
Bogdanov stressed the importance of progressing the negotiation process and preparing for a potential meeting between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Bogdanov, also the special presidential envoy for the Middle East and African countries and Deputy Foreign Minister, emphasized Russia's position on the issue. "We are for the process of normalization of interstate relations between Turkey and Syria on the basis of mutual recognition of territorial integrity and sovereignty," he said.
He highlighted Russia's role in facilitating this process and expressed the desire for it to continue gaining momentum. "It would be very good if the leaders met. I believe that serious preparations for such a meeting are needed," he added.
When asked about the possibility of hosting such a meeting on Russian soil, Bogdanov clarified that there was no current information regarding this. However, he reaffirmed Russia's readiness to facilitate discussions in Moscow, including trilateral meetings involving representatives from Damascus and Ankara.
Bogdanov also emphasized the involvement of other regional players in the process. "Of course, we are in touch with the Iranians and Iraqis. Iran and Iraq are also very interested in the normalization of relations between Syria and Turkey, which will have a positive impact on the overall situation in Syria and around Syria," he said.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced in early August that a summit between the leaders of Syria and Turkey may take place in a third country.
"If the meeting takes place, it will be held in a third country, but there are no details so far," Fidan told the Sabah newspaper, highlighting al-Assad's readiness to meet with Erdogan without preconditions.
