Putin, Erdogan discuss Idlib over phone - Lavrov
MOSCOW. Feb 28 (Interfax) - The presidents of Russia and Turkey, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, discussed the progress of settlement in Idlib in a phone call on Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told the press.
"There is always space for dialogue; the presidents, Putin and Erdogan, had a phone call today at the request of the Turkish leader," Lavrov said.
"The conversation was detailed and focused on the need to fulfill the original agreements pertaining to the Idlib de-escalation area," he said.
"The possibility of holding necessary consultations in the near future was also discussed," Lavrov said.
The presidents of Russia and Turkey also discussed "the possibility of the soonest arrangement of necessary contacts on some level," he said.
"It was reported just 90 minutes ago that the Russian and Turkish negotiators who were working in Ankara yesterday and the day before yesterday agreed to continue their activity today," Lavrov said.
"So, I do not think we are speaking of any insurmountable problems for the Astana format and I have no doubt that if the military, diplomats, and security service officers of our countries manage to concentrate on the basic agreements regarding the Idlib de-escalation area these agreements can be transformed into practical actions," he said.