Published 12:27 IST, October 22nd 2019
France's Macron discusses Syria-Turkey ceasefire with Russia's Putin
French President Emmanuel Macron told Russian President Vladimir Putin that France wanted to see an extension of a ceasefire by Turkey in north Syria
French President Emmanuel Macron, in a phone call, told Russian President Vladimir Putin that France wanted to see an extension of a ceasefire by Turkey in northeast Syria, as per a statement by Elysee Palace. The statement comes after Turkey reportedly threatened to resume attacks against any Kurdish forces left in the safe zone after October 22 night's deadline.
Details of the phone call
The French presidency, as per reports, said that during the phone call, Macron highlighted the importance of extending the ceasefire and ending the crisis with diplomacy. Turkey has agreed to halt its offensive against Kurds until 7 pm GMT on October 22, if they withdraw from a 120-kilometre safe zone near the Turkish border. The call comes as the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to visit the Russian city of Sochi on Tuesday.
The French Presidency added that Macron and Putin deliberated on preparations for the upcoming Normandy summit on ending the conflict in Ukraine. Macron will host the “Normandy Four” summit with Ukraine and Russia as well as Germany with no scheduled date.
Moscow's reaction
As per Kremlin's Statement after the call, Putin told Macron that Russia's efforts are directed towards stabilising the situation in the region by establishing contacts between various stakeholders. The two leaders have also agreed to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria without elaborating further.
Moscow revealed that a number of terms and conditions must be met before a four-way summit can take place. Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky on the other hand says that Russia must pull out troops out of country's east before any summit.
(With inputs from agencies)
Updated 13:23 IST, October 22nd 2019