MOSCOW. Oct 7 (Interfax) - It is important to avoid actions that might hinder the Syrian settlement process, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in light of the possible Turkish military operation in Syria.
Journalists asked Peskov on Monday whether Russia expected the Kurds to intensify their search for dialogue with Damascus amid the threat of a Turkish military operation.
"In this case, it is important to avoid any action which may create impediments to the Syrian settlement process," he said.
Some prospects have emerged on this track, the constitutional committee has been established, and "it is very important to refrain from any steps that may harm the Syrian settlement process," Peskov said.
Journalists asked Peskov about the Kremlin's attitude to the plans to pull U.S. forces out of the Syrian territory. The spokesman wondered who said the United States was going to do that. "After all, you should rely on statements made by Washington officials in the first turn and draw your conclusions from official statements," he said.
Journalists reminded Peskov that the United States was not planning to support Kurds in the case of a Turkish military operation and asked how the Kremlin felt about that message. "I think it is not up to us to decide what the message is," he said.
Peskov reiterated the opinion of Russia that all illegal foreign military presence must end in Syria.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that the Turkish army was ready for an operation, which would ensure security in northern Syria, without the assistance of the United States, and said that the operation might begin in the near future.