Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Russian and Turkish Presidents Reach Cease-Fire Deal in Northwestern Syria

VOA News

   Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip
   Erdogan Thursday agreed to a cease-fire in northwestern Syria,
   following talks in Moscow on easing tensions in the region.

   The two leaders said the cease-fire would take effect at midnight local
   time in the area of Idlib, where a Syrian and Russian offensive has
   driven more than one million civilians toward the Turkish border over
   the past three months. Idlib is the last remaining rebel stronghold.in
   Syria."

   I express hope that these agreements will serve as a good basis for a
   cessation of military activity in the Idlib de-escalation zone (and)
   stop the suffering of the peaceful population and the growing
   humanitarian crisis," Putin said.

   Erdogan said they would "work together to supply aid for the Syrians in
   need" and said he reserved the right "to respond to all (Syrian) regime
   attacks in the field."

   The offensive has triggered what may be the world's worst-ever
   humanitarian crisis, the United Nations has said.

   Putin and Erdogan back opposing sides in the nine-year war, with
   Erdogan backing some Syrian rebel groups and Putin supporting Syrian
   President Bashar al-Assad.

   Russia and Turkey have previously reached multiple cease-fire
   agreements in Idlib but none has been successful.

   The two leaders also agreed to secure a key highway in the Idlib area
   with joint patrols beginning next week.

   The announcement comes days after Erdogan said he would open his
   borders to western Europe. Since then, migrants have massed at the
   Turkish-Greek border, leading to clashes with Greek police. Turkey
   hosts more than 3.5 million people from Syria.