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“The Syrian issues was in the spotlight of the negotiations between Putin and Erdogan,” Director of the Oriental Institute of the NAS of Armenia Ruben Safrastyan told a press conference in Yerevan today.

To his words, even though not much was voiced about the substance of the conducted negotiations, several circumstances were highlighted. “The parties agreed to continue efforts aimed at delivering humanitarian assistance to Aleppo residents. This is important in terms of Turkey’s position of not joining the West in criticizing Russia’s actions in Syria. As Erdogan’s statements revealed the issue of Turkish forces involvement in Syria had been touched upon as well. As we know, Turkey has occupied a certain portion of a land in Northern Syria, and as the negotiation showed Russia is not critical of that and does not oppose to those actions of Turkey,” stressed Safrastyan.

The speaker next suggested that Turkey and Russia are building foundation for joint actions in Syria judging from the envisaged military negotiations between the commanders of the Joint Staff and Defense Ministers of the two states.

Asked what possible implications the presidents’ meeting may bring to Aleppo Armenians, Safrastyan pointed out to the urgent need of evacuation of the remaining population in the worn-torn city.

“According to the UN estimates, the situation will deteriorate in Aleppo for the upcoming two months. That is of vital importance to organize the secure evacuation of our compatriots from Aleppo,” Safrastyan noted.

Director of the Oriental Institute also highlighted the role of Armenia in assisting the Syrian - Armenians to move to their motherland. With this respect he suggests establishing a special fund and collect means to organize the transfer of the Armenians. Only after solving the matters of the secure evacuation and providing transportation, we should think of the employment possibilities for the arriving population.