Russia, Turkey, and Iran Call for Dialogue to End Syrian Conflict
After talks in Doha, Russia reaffirms support for Assad while seeking to mediate regional tensions and promote peace efforts.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged an end to hostilities in Syria following discussions with Turkey and Iran in Doha.
- The three nations agreed to explore steps for initiating dialogue between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the opposition.
- Lavrov emphasized Russia's continued military backing of Assad and its commitment to defeating rebel forces, which Moscow labels as terrorists.
- Efforts to de-escalate tensions at the Turkish-Syrian border and normalize relations between Syria and Turkey were highlighted as priorities.
- Lavrov dismissed rumors of a Russian military withdrawal from Syria, attributing recent movements to naval exercises in the Mediterranean.