Putin and Erdoğan: 15-20 km weapons-free zone will be created in Idlib

Russian President Putin and Turkey’s President Erdoğan made a joint press statement after their meeting on Syria, in Sochi. Putin said, “A 15-20 km buffer zone free of weapons will be implemented in Idlib as of 15 October”.

Putin’s statements were as follows: “We will continue our work with our Turkish colleagues. We have dealt with the search for solutions in Syria, in specific. We evaluated the situation in Idlib. We have made very important decisions and agreements. We will set up a 15 kilometer demilitarized zone on October 15. Al-Nusra and heavy weapons will withdraw, as well. Control will be provided by Russian and Turkish troops in common”.

Erdogan made following statements: “Opposition group will continue to remain in their areas. However we will work together with Russia for the removal of the radical groups we will determine together. Russia and Turkey will carry out a coordinated inspection activities on both sides of the demilitarized zone boundaries to be determined. With this agreement, I believe that we have prevented a humanitarian crisis in Idlib. This is also an important achievement for the countries involved.”