Russian official hopes to persuade Turkey not to launch new operation in Syria

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said Monday that Moscow would continue to persuade Ankara not to carry out its military operation in northern Syria.

 “We work with Turkey and hope to reach an political and diplomatic agreement,” he told reporters.

Earlier on Monday, the TGRT TV channel reported that the Turkish army is fully prepared to launch a new military operation in Syria.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier this month that Ankara would complete the 30-kilometre-deep security belt along the country’s border with Syria, as soon as possible.