Sunday, June 14, 2020

At The Last Moment Russia And Turkey Have Postponed Their Talks On The Syria And Libya Wars

Lavrov and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu were to visit Istanbul for the discussions [Sputnik/Alexander Astafyev/Pool via Reuters]

The National: Russia-Turkey talks on Libya and Syria postponed

Russia's foreign and defence ministers had been expected to arrive in Istanbul on Sunday

An expected visit to Turkey by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Sunday has been postponed, with no reason or rescheduled date given.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Mr Lavrov decided to put off the talks during a phone call on Sunday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

The visit was announced on Saturday by the two countries' foreign ministries, with Syria and Libya expected to feature high on the agenda.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Before high level officials are to meet there is usually a consensus on what will be discussed and agreed upon during the meeting. It is what low level diplomats, officials, and aides do. But to have such a high level meeting cancelled at the last minute tells me that someone decided at the last minute to change their position and/or demands. My read from Russia is that the Turks changed their mind. I am sure this news report also surprised some people in Moscow .... Turkey plans to set up two military bases in Libya (Libya Observer).

Update: Coincidence? A few hours after this postponement, the Kremlin made the following announcement .... Russia confirms it backs Greece’s view of maritime law (Greek City Times).

More News On Russia And Turkey Postponing Their Talks On The Syria And Libya Wars

Russian Foreign & Defense ministers postpone Turkish Libya & Syria talks -- Jerusalem Post
Russia, Turkey put off talks expected to discuss Libya and Syria -- Al Jazeera
Russia, Turkey postpone talks on Syria, Libya conflicts -- Washington Times
Russian ministers’ visit to Turkey postponed -- Hurriyet Daily News
Turkey, Russia postpone talks on Libya over essential differences -- Libyan Express

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