Lavrov "De-escalation" will not include al-Nusra terrorists

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, held a joint press conference. Lavrov noted that the so-called "De-escalation" does not include "Jabhat al-Nusra" Çavuşoğlu expressed his concern over the presence of terrorist organizations in Idlib, but he admitted the presence of his country's forces in areas of their control.

14 August, 2018 12:57

NEWS DESK

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu in Ankara that Moscow is seeking to cooperate with the Syrian opposition, which rejects terrorism, pointing out that "the agreement to reduce the escalation in Idlib does not include terrorist gangs such as Jabhat al-Nusra."

Lavrov considered that "Jabhat al-Nusra" is carrying out hostile acts and sends aircraft to Hamimim, "adding "the Syrian army has the right to eliminate all manifestations of terrorism in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution."

He also stressed "the West and the United States desire not to succeed Astana."

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, in turn, said that he discussed with Lavrov the issue of reducing the escalation in Idlib," and expressed the hope that a solution would be found."

He added "It is difficult to guarantee security in the presence of terrorists, in reference to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham".

Çavuşoğlu added that his country has 12 points to monitor the cease-fire."

Lavrov's visit comes to Turkey to discuss the preparations for the quartet summit of leaders of Russia, Turkey, Germany and France on the Syrian settlement to be held on the 7th of next month in Istanbul.

A.H

ANHA