Russia, Turkey disagree over Syria, but can openly discuss it: Peskov

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Russia and Turkey have some disagreements on issues relevant to ensuring security in Syria, but the partnership between the two countries allows them to discuss these differences openly and constructively, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.  

Answering how the Kremlin treated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statement on the Russian side not fulfilling its obligation to "cleanse" the Syrian regions from Kurdish armed groups under the agreement of 2019, Peskov said.

"There are certain nuances in the approaches of Russia and Turkey to the state of affairs in Syria and to the question whose obligations were not fulfilled under that same Sochi memorandum. These nuances, sometimes even disagreements, were repeatedly discussed by the two presidents."

He noted that the "friendly, partnership nature of relations with Turkey" allows "open and constructive" discussion of these differences.

Earlier, and in light of the strikes on Syrian territory, Moscow urged Turkey to exercise caution, according to Alexander Lavrentyev, the special presidential envoy of Russia for Syria.

At the beginning of the 19th round of talks on the Syrian settlement in Astana, Lavrentyev said, "We will call on our Turkish colleagues to show certain restraint in order to prevent an escalation of tension, not only in the northern and northeastern regions of Syria, but throughout the entire territory."

The envoy emphasized that efforts should be made to find a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue while working with all parties involved.

Russia urges parties to refrain from escalation 

Peskov pointed out that Moscow understands Ankara's security concerns regarding the situation in Syria, but urges all parties to avoid actions that could complicate the situation.

"We understand and respect Turkey's concerns about ensuring its own security. We believe that this is Turkey's legitimate right," Peskov said.

Peskov noted that Moscow urges all parties "to refrain from steps that could lead to a serious destabilization of the situation as a whole."  

"It can boomerang back, further complicate the security situation," the Kremlin spokesman stressed.

This comes after Turkey carried out an air operation in northern Syria, which could be the first step toward a land operation, according to the Turkish daily Yeni Safak. 

Kurdish Firat News Agency (ANF) reported that Ankara has once again carried out an air attack against the city of Ain al-Arab in northern Syria. 

Citing the Turkish Defense Ministry, Anadolu reported that an air operation against the YPG, which is the military wing of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), was being carried out in northern Syria and northern Iraq.