Russia raises concern over Kurdish attacks on Türkish forces in northeastern Syria

NUR SULTAN, Kazakhstan (AA) – Russia condemns recent attacks against Türkiye in Syria, the Russian special envoy for the war-torn country has said.

Speaking to reporters in the Kazakh capital Nur-Sultan after the 18th round of Syria talks in the Astana format, Alexander Lavrentiev said recent attacks by “Kurdish groups,” referring to the PKK in northeastern Syria against both Türkiye and locals needed to be discussed.

Regarding Ankara’s possible cross-border military operation in northern Syria, Lavrentiev voiced concern that such a move could trigger “separatist groups” in the region and argued that other solutions should be pursued.

Also noting Russia’s intentions to move the work of the Syrian Constitutional Committee from Geneva to another location, Lavrentiev said Switzerland’s attitude towards Russia was the main reason for this.

Consensus on an alternative venue will be decided by Türkiye, Russia, and Iran, the guarantors of the Astana process, as well as the Bashar al-Assad regime and Syrian opposition.

Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, as well as the Omani capital Muscat, and Bahrain were among the candidates, he said, adding that Algeria had also said it could host the next session of the Constitutional Committee.

The Astana peace process was launched in January 2017 on the initiative of Türkiye, Russia, and Iran. Its meetings also contribute to the advancement of the UN-led diplomatic process in Geneva.

Syria has been ravaged by a civil war since early 2011 when the Bashar al-Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protesters with unexpected ferocity.