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Syria’s Idlib unlikely to come under Damascus’ total control soon, says expert

Commenting on Ankara’s position, the expert drew attention to a number of significant factor, including Turkey’s concerns about possible inflows of Syrian refugees

MOSCOW, February 16. /TASS/. Syria’s Idlib governorate is unlikely to come under total control of the Syrian government army in the near future, Kirill Semyonov, an expert at the Russian International Affairs Council, said on Tuesday.

"So far, it can hardly be said that the entire Idlib governorate will soon be taken under control of government troops. At least until Turkey changes in position on that matter," he told a news conference. "But no changes can be expected, at least as long as [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan is in office."

Commenting on Ankara’s position, the expert drew attention to a number of significant factor, including Turkey’s concerns about possible inflows of Syrian refugees. "Turkey is afraid that several million Syrians, who are staying in Idlib, will finally reach it territory if the conflict in Idlib escalates. Another major factor is Turkey’s plans to establish a security zone along the border with Syria that is to stay in place until Syria proceeds to peaceful settlement and political reforms. Until it is done, Turkey is unlikely to leave Syria," Semyonov added.

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