"It is not a matter of ending the war, but rather of an opportunity to build on military successes of the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Syrian Arab Army in Aleppo," Syrian international relations scholar Abbas Djuma told the Russian business daily Vzglyad. "Aleppo's liberation has become a starting point for establishing a triumvirate, comprising Russia, Turkey and Iran. The ceasefire has continued a positive trend. This would not have been possible without Turkey."
Abbas Djuma expressed hope that the agreements, which were made public on Thursday, will provide a positive impetus to the peace process in Syria.
Moscow, Ankara and Tehran have pledged to provide guarantees that the deals will be implemented and adhered to.
Fuad Eliko, a member of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, told Sputnik that the talks in Ankara are meant to secure a lasting ceasefire in Syria and to resolve the crisis through political means. He also hailed Russia for its peace efforts in the war-torn country.
"Russia is striving to secure peace in Syria. Moscow has made a very important step on the path to fulfilling this task by kick starting the peace process. We, as members of the Syrian opposition, are also committed to resolving the conflict through political means," Fuad Eliko said, adding that the National Coalition for Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces did not maintain contacts with armed groups fighting in Syria.
