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Conflict in Syria

Turkey to boost contacts with Russia on developments in Aleppo

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavushoglu stresses the need to ensure the ceasefire regime in Aleppo for the evacuation of civilians

ANKARA, December 13. /TASS/. Turkey is planning more intensive contacts with Russia and other countries in the near future on the situation in Aleppo, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavushoglu said on Tuesday.

"We are making huge efforts to stop violence in Aleppo and Syria. We are discussing the issues of ceasefire and humanitarian aid supplies with all countries, mainly with key participants, Russia and Iran, and the Persian Gulf states," the foreign minister said.

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"In the coming days, today or tomorrow, we will intensify our contacts with Russia and other sides on these issues," he added. These talks focus on ceasefire, opening humanitarian corridors for Aleppo and in general the ways to stop the humanitarian crisis in the Syrian city.

"We are constantly holding talks with Russia and other countries on various issues. These are routine contacts. Information on tomorrow’s (Turkish-Russian) talks emerged in the news but there is nothing special about this," he said.

Cavushoglu noted that Turkey "put forward particular proposals but it seems that not all countries are on the square." He stressed the need to "immediately ensure the ceasefire regime in Aleppo for the evacuation of civilians from the city."

"Even if everyone stops speaking about the events in Aleppo, we won’t do this. We will discuss all these issues with our partners," he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the reports that the Russian and Turkish representatives allegedly plan to hold contacts within days to discuss the possibility of creating a corridor to let militants leave Aleppo. "I cannot say anything on that score for now. I’ll leave this unanswered and without a comment," Peskov told reporters.

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Syrian conflict

Middle East conflict

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