World, Middle East

Turkmen leader praises UN decision to monitor Aleppo

Iraqi Turkmen leader Ersad Salihi describes UN move as a 'strong decision'

Handan Kazancı  | 21.12.2016 - Update : 22.12.2016
Turkmen leader praises UN decision to monitor Aleppo President of Iraqi Turkmen Front Ersad Salihi

Ankara

By Enes Duran

ANKARA

The president of Iraqi Turkmen Front praised a United Nations resolution on Wednesday that approves sending monitors to eastern Aleppo.

“I think it was a strong decision that the UN sends international observers to Aleppo,” Ersad Salihi said during a meeting with Mustafa Destici, the head of Turkey’s Grand Unity Party (BBP).

“I hope this would lead to the creation of a safe zone in that area,” Salihi added.

The UN Security Council on Monday voted unanimously to immediately send monitors to eastern Aleppo as thousands of residents vacate the former opposition stronghold.

In addition to overseeing the exodus of civilians, monitors would also be tasked with reporting on the status of those who remain trapped in the city.

The resolution calls on all parties to provide monitors with "safe, immediate and unimpeded access" to eastern Aleppo.

Last week, Syrian opposition forces and the Bashar al-Assad regime reached a cease-fire deal, brokered by Turkey and Russia, to evacuate civilians from eastern Aleppo to safe areas in opposition-held Idlib.

Since then, 37,500 people have been evacuated from the area, Turkey’s foreign minister announced on Tuesday.

Salihi said that the meeting of foreign ministers of Russia, Turkey and Iran had been an important step for the people in Aleppo and Syria.

Foreign ministers of Turkey, Russia, and Iran met in Moscow this week and said they were ready to become guarantors in Syria.


Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. Please contact us for subscription options.