Turkish-Russian delegations discuss Syria

By Zuhal Demirci

ANKARA (AA) - Delegations from Turkey and Russia discussed the latest developments in war-torn Syria, according to diplomatic sources on Friday.

Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal and Russia’s Presidential envoy for Syria Alexandre Lavrentyev co-chaired the meeting in the Turkish capital Ankara.

During the meeting, Onal and Lavrentyev discussed the latest situation in the political process as part of the Constitutional Committee work in Syria, the Astana process, developments in Idlib and in the field.

The situation regarding Syrian asylum seekers and displaced persons, as well as the activities of the terrorist organization PKK/YPG were also discussed.

The two delegations exchanged opinions on these issues during the meeting, and Turkey's attitude was conveyed to the Russian delegation, the diplomatic sources added.

The Astana peace process to end the Syrian conflict was launched in January 2017 by Turkey, Russia, and Iran.

Syria has been ravaged by a multifaceted civil war since early 2011 when the regime cracked down on pro-democracy protesters.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and more than 10 million displaced, according to UN estimates.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.