MOSCOW. Oct 17 (Interfax) - The Kremlin has reiterated its concern over the situation in northeast Syria, adding that this will be a central topic on the agenda of upcoming talks between the Russian and Turkish presidents in Sochi.
"During a recent telephone conversation, [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin expressed concern over possible humanitarian consequences of this operation [Turkey's military operation in northeast Syria]. Our position is well known. It hasn't changed at all," Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"However, the situation in the northeast of Syria is tense due to this operation. And it will be a very important topic on the agenda of talks between President Putin and [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan in Sochi on Tuesday," Peskov said.
The Russian and Turkish leaders, "as they always do, will simultaneously take advantage of this meeting to compare notes on current issues in bilateral Russian-Turkish relations," he said.
Commenting on the situation in northeast Syria, Peskov said that "the UN has voiced serious concern over the humanitarian situation and refugee flows to neighboring countries, including Iraq."