16 Sep 2019 20:08

Putin urges Turkey, Iran to make further steps to eliminate terror threat in Idlib

ANKARA. Sept 16 (Interfax) - Russia, Turkey and Iran must try harder to oust terrorists from Idlib, Syria, President Vladimir Putin said.

"Dear colleagues, together we must make additional steps for the complete removal of the terror threat emanating from the Idlib area," Putin said at talks with the presidents of Iran and Turkey in Ankara on Monday.

The situation was most worrying in the last remaining de-escalation area in Idlib, where terror groups have recently intensified their activities, he said.

"The de-escalation area must not remain a harbor for all kinds of extremists, let alone serve as a base from which to carry out armed provocations," Putin said.