Turkish, Russian officials to meet in Ankara for talks on Syria, Libya
Turkish and Russian officials will meet in Ankara this week for a new round of talks on developments in Syria and Libya, where the two countries back opposing sides, Turkey's Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
- Country:
- Turkey
Turkish and Russian officials will meet in Ankara this week for a new round of talks on developments in Syria and Libya, where the two countries back opposing sides, Turkey's Foreign Ministry said on Monday. "Consultations between Turkish and Russian interagency delegations on Libya and Syria will continue at a technical level on 15-16 September 2020 in Ankara," the ministry said.
Ankara and Moscow are the main power brokers in Libya's war and have been holding talks on a lasting ceasefire and political settlement. Russia supports the eastern-based forces of Khalifa Haftar, while Turkey has helped the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) repel Haftar's offensive. Last month, the GNA declared a ceasefire in Libya and called for a lifting of a blockade on oil facilities. Aguila Saleh, the leader of a rival parliament to the east, also called for a halt to hostilities. But Haftar, who is also supported by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, dismissed the move.
Ankara and Moscow also back opposing sides in Syria. Russia, along with Iran, supports President Bashar al-Assad's forces and Turkey backs rebels looking to oust him. After an escalation of violence displaced nearly 1 million people and brought the two sides close to confrontation, Turkey and Russia agreed in March to halt hostilities. Both sides have said the ceasefire has held despite minor violations.
The last round of talks was held in Moscow on Aug. 31-Sept. 1.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
ALSO READ
AAP has failed to fulfil its commitments: Karshan Karmur on his resignation
Onus on assembly speaker to take decision on resignation of 3 Independent MLAs: HP governor
Egyptian charities dish out meals during Ramadan, despite soaring costs
GLOBAL MARKETS-Shares rebound, yields stay high as services data sends mixed signals
NATO marks its 75th birthday as war in Ukraine and rising populism gnaw at its unity