Idlib Case: Summit of Turkish, Russian, and Iranian Leaders in Ankara

(Patria) – Turkey is hosting the fifth trilateral summit of the leaders of Russia, Iran, and Turkey.

The most important item on the agenda is the situation in Syria, especially in Idlib in the northwest of the country following renewed attacks by the Syrian government. The goal of the meeting of the three leaders is to find a solution for lasting peace, as well as the best political solution that includes the voluntary return of refugees.

In an interview with a Reuters news agency reporter, Turkish President Erdogan warned that any attacks by the Syrian government would provoke a response from Turkish forces.

- In case of an attack, things will take a completely different direction. We will not hesitate as we have until now. We will take the necessary steps, said Erdogan.

It is expected that President Erdogan will also exchange views with Putin and Rouhani regarding bilateral relations, as well as developments on regional and international levels.

The peace process known as the Astana peace process (due to its venue in Astana, Kazakhstan) which aims to end the conflict in Syria, began in January 2017 on the initiative of these three countries. So far, 13 rounds of negotiations have been held.

Last September, Russia and Turkey reached an agreement to designate Idlib, which borders Turkey, as a de-escalation zone with the aim of achieving a ceasefire, which, however, has been difficult to maintain due to attacks by the Syrian regime.

Erdogan warned that further attacks by Bashar al-Assad's Syrian government could lead to a new wave of millions of refugees to Turkey, which has already received more than 3.6 million Syrians.

Putin and Erdogan reached an agreement last month to 'normalize' the situation in the region.

Renewed attacks by the Syrian government in the Idlib area have cast a shadow over their otherwise close relations and good cooperation in the fields of defense and energy.