Russia, Turkey, Iran to determine boundaries of security zones in Syria
By Kamila Aliyeva
Experts from Russia, Iran and Turkey will determine boundaries of the de-escalation zones in Syria on maps, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told RIA Novosti.
Checkpoints are planned to be established there to prevent penetration of the militants, according to Bogdanov.
“The work is underway. The memorandum says that the guarantor countries should create working group, discuss everything and agree on the work on maps, location of de-escalation zones, determining external contours, those who will ensure the passage of people, because people should have free access. Therefore, checkpoints should be created and these zones should be under control. All of these should be done on maps," he said.
The official further added that it is not yet clear who will specifically ensure security in these zones,.
Previously, Russia, Turkey and Iran signed a memorandum on creating four zones at talks involving the Syrian government and opposition groups in Kazakhstan’s capital.
The civil war in Syria between government and opposition with various terrorist groups involved, including Daesh (also known as ISIS or ISIL), began back in March 2011.
Syrian President Bashar Assad managed to turn the tide of war in his favor after Russia started an air campaign in September 2015, while Iran is an uncompromising supporter of the Syrian leader.
According to a report by the Syrian Center for Policy Research, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 470,000 people, injured 1.9 million others, and displaced nearly half of the country’s pre-war population of about 23 million within or beyond its borders.
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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva
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