Erdogan describes Idlib demilitarized deal as step toward peace

ANKARA, Sept 19 (KUNA) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has described the agreement with Russia to establish a demilitarized zone in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib as "a step toward peace." Erdogan said in a speech at a Veterans Day Ceremony at Bestepe People's Convention and Culture Center in the capital, that defense ministers of both sides signed a 12-article agreement aimed ultimately to stop bloodshed in Idlib.
He affirmed that his country will continue fighting "terrorism" in Afrin and Jarabulus in Syria, as well as in Qandil Mountains and sinjar in Iraq.
In another speach Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that the turkish army succeeded in neutralizing 366 terrorists among which were top commanders inside Turkey.
Following a meeting in the Russian city of Sochi between Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on September 17, the two countries agreed to establish a demilitarized zone in Idlib, Syriaآ’s last opposition stronghold. (end) rs.ha