Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
World
Qamishli, Asharq Al-Awsat

Russia, Turkey Agree to Reopen Crossing Points in Syria's Idlib, Aleppo

Fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces in a military parade in the al-Omar field on the eastern bank of the Euphrates river on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AFP)

Russia's military said on Wednesday that it had agreed with Turkey to open two crossing points in the Idlib de-escalation zone in Syria and one near Aleppo, due to the difficult humanitarian situation in the war-torn country.

Deputy Chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Conflicting Parties said the step reflects Russia's commitment to reach peaceful settlement in Syria.

“We believe this step is a direct indication of our commitment to a peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis,” Alexander Karpov told a news briefing on Wednesday.

Under the agreement, Saraqeb and Miznas checkpoints in the Idlib de-escalation zone and the Abu Zeydin checkpoint near the settlement of Aleppo have been reopened to lift the siege on civilians.

The deteriorating humanitarian situation in these areas have prompted people to protest in recent weeks.

On Tuesday, Russia proposed reopening border crossings on the Turkish side.

According to the Center’s statement, the proposal included delivering humanitarian aid convoys and allowing refugees to exit as of March 25.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.