The agreements reached in Moscow between Russia and Turkey can be implemented if Ankara can block the activity of radical Islamists in Syria, said Elena Panina, member of the State Duma’s international affairs committee, to RIA Novosti.
On Thursday in Moscow, negotiations between Russian and Turkish presidents Vladimir Putin and Tayyip Erdogan over the aggravation in the Syrian province of Idlib took place. Following the meeting, a joint document was adopted. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to the “Astana format” and announced the introduction of a ceasefire regime from midnight. In addition, the parties agreed to jointly patrol the important M4 highway, which is now under the control of militants.
According to Panina, the fact that the leaders of the two states were able to reach a ceasefire indicates that the benefits of strategic cooperation between Russia and Turkey outweigh the negative from the events in Idlib.
“If Russia and Turkey can interact in Idlib in the same way as in northeast Syria, we can hope to prevent further escalation and the continuation of the Astana process,” Panina said.
In her opinion, now everything depends on Ankara and its ability to have a real impact on the militants in Idlib. “If Ankara can even now, in a crisis and extreme situation, fulfill its obligations and block the activity of radical Islamists, then today’s agreements will undoubtedly be implemented,” Panina stated.