Moscow. June 2. INTERFAX - The Russian Foreign Ministry is concerned about reports of a new Turkish military operation in northern Syria.
"Reports of such a forceful operation were received with alarm. Such a step, in the absence of the consent of the legitimate Government of the Syrian Arab Republic, would constitute a direct violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the SAR, would provoke an additional escalation of tension in that country. We hope that Ankara will refrain from actions that could lead to a dangerous deterioration of the already difficult situation in Syria," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, commenting on the statement by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the launch of a new military operation in northern Syria.
At the same time, the Russian Foreign Ministry understands Turkey's concerns in connection with threats to national security emanating from the border areas of the SAR.
"In this regard, we believe that it is possible to ensure reliable security on the Syrian-Turkish border only by placing military personnel of the security structures of the SAR in the area adjacent to it. This would be a practical reflection of Ankara's more than once officially sounding statements about respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria," reads a statement posted on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry on Thursday.
The day before, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a new military operation in northern Syria. "A new phase of the formation (in Syria) of a "security zone" 30 km deep from the border with Turkey is beginning. We are clearing Tall Rifat and Manbij from terrorists," Erdogan said, quoted by Anadolu. According to him, then other areas bordering Turkey will be cleared of militants.
Earlier, Erdogan announced plans for the Turkish armed forces to launch anti-terrorist operations on the country's borders. According to media reports, the operations were planned to be carried out in four regions of Syria.
