Turkey builds third ‘observation spot’ inside Idlib

ANKARA

The Turkish military has announced that it has built its third “observation spot” inside Syria’s Idlib as part of its three-way deal with Russia and Iran, which stipulates the establishment of de-escalation zones in the war-torn country.

In a written statement, the Turkish Armed Forces announced that work on the third spot in Idlib was completed on Nov. 19, while work on the remaining sites continues.

Turkey is expected to form a total of 12 observation spots in order to monitor the ongoing truce between the Syrian regime and armed opposition groups. The first of these spots was set up on Oct. 13.

The deal envisages cementing the truce between fighting groups and allowing humanitarian aid to needy groups inside the country, as well as paving the way for launching an effective political process to end the civil war in Syria.

The Turkish, Russian and Iranian presidents came together in Sochi on Nov. 22 to outline a fresh road map toward a political solution, which includes convening a national dialogue congress with the participation of various warring groups.

Turkey has openly opposed the inclusion of the People’s Protection Units (YPG) at the negotiation table for a political process, stating that the group is the Syrian offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).