Merkel and Erdogan Announce Necessity for New Ceasefire in Idlib

The Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, and the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have had a telephone conversation. The leaders of both countries discussed the necessity for a new ceasefire in Idlib and the urgent need for the commencement of political negotiations.

“The President and the Chancellor have talked about the situation and developments in Idlib, including from the perspective of refugees. The Chancellor condemned the ruthless attacks against Turkish units and called for an end to the offensive operations of the Syrian regime and its allies. The parties agreed that a new agreement to cease fire must be signed immediately. The leaders deemed it necessary to begin political negotiations as soon as possible,” the statement said.

Merkel conveyed Germany's government solidarity in providing humanitarian assistance to those displaced in Idlib to Erdogan. She also expressed condolences to Erdogan regarding the deaths of Turkish soldiers.