Russian-Turkish Deal On Buffer Zone In Idlib Benefits Both States, Saves Civilians - SNC

The Syrian Negotiation Commission (SNC) opposition platform believes that the decision of Turkey and Russia to establish a demilitarized zone in the Syrian province of Idlib benefits both countries and civilians by removing the risk of an operation in the area, SNC spokesman Yahya Aridi told Sputnik on Monday.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 17th September, 2018) The Syrian Negotiation Commission (SNC) opposition platform believes that the decision of Turkey and Russia to establish a demilitarized zone in the Syrian province of Idlib benefits both countries and civilians by removing the risk of an operation in the area, SNC spokesman Yahya Aridi told Sputnik on Monday.

Earlier the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to create a demilitarized zone along the contact line between the armed opposition and government troops in Idlib.

"This agreement is to the advantage of both Turkey and Russia. I believe that in such an agreement the will of life has won over the will of killing and destruction, which was to be carried out by the regime and Iran," Aridi said.

The zone of 15-20 kilometers (around 10-12 miles) depth will be established along the contact line between the armed opposition and the government troops by October 15.

"This agreement is to the advantage of relations between Russia and Turkey. There are commitments on both sides, and the pretext which was to be used for invading Idlib has been withdrawn, and they agreed on a militarized zone of 15-20 kilometers. This protects over 3 million civilians," Aridi said.

The control of the demilitarized zone will be carried out by mobile patrol groups consisting of Turkish army units and Russian military police.