Russian, Turkish defense chiefs hold talks on Syrian cease-fire
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 16 September 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russian, Turkish defense chiefs hold talks on Syrian cease-fire, 16 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58189da813.html [accessed 1 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 16, 2016
The chief of the Russian military's General Staff has visited Turkey for talks with his counterpart about the situation in Syria.
Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency said General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia, and Turkish General Hulusi Akar met at the Turkish General Staff headquarters in Ankara on September 15.
The Russian Defense Ministry said that the negotiations allowed the two military leaders "to bring the parties' assessments of the current situation in Syria and the measures necessary for upholding the cease-fire closer."
The ministry said Gerasimov and Akar reaffirmed a "shared desire to develop a dialogue and further cooperation between the two countries' militaries."
Russia and the United States brokered a cease-fire that took effect in Syria on September 12 and is meant to halt fighting between the U.S.-backed opposition and Syria's Russian-supported government.
Turkey and Russia experienced a roughly seven-month rupture in relations after Turkey shot down a Russian bomber in November. The rift was repaired soon after July's failed coup in Turkey.
Based on reporting by AP and TASS
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
