Erdoğan, Putin back safe zones in Syria

BEIRUT - The Associated Press

The presidents of Russia and Turkey have said they support the formation of so-called safe zones in Syria and hope an agreement about them will be reached at the multilateral Syria talks underway in Kazakhstan.

President Erdoğan said he and Putin discussed Russia's plan for safe, or de-escalation, zones in Syria.
     
Erdoğan also said he hoped "this zone of de-escalation will be accepted" at talks in the Kazakh capital, which also include representatives of Iran and the United States.

"We both proceed on the basis that -- and this is our common position -- the creation of safe zones should lead to further pacification and cessation of hostilities," Putin said.
     
Relations between Moscow and Ankara deteriorated after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane at the Syrian border in November 2015 and Russia responded with trade and tourism sanctions.
     
But Putin said relations have been restored.