Russia, Iran, Turkey to keep fighting terrorists in Idlib - statement
NUR-SULTAN. Aug 2 (Interfax) - The Syria ceasefire guarantor countries (Iran, Russia, and Turkey) have expressed concern about growing terrorist cells in Idlib and readiness for further joint antiterrorist efforts in a statement at the 13th round of Syria talks in the Astana format in Nur-Sultan.
Russia, Turkey, and Iran discussed the situation in the Idlib de-escalation area in detail and underlined the need for implementing the ceasefire through the complete fulfillment of every agreement regarding Idlib, the sides said in a joint statement seen by Interfax.
They have also expressed profound concern about the increasing presence of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham terrorist organization (banned in Russia) in the area and have confirmed their commitment to cooperating for the sake of final liquidation of ISIL and Jabhat al-Nusra (both banned in Russia), as well as every other person, group, enterprise, and organization related to either al-Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, it said.
The guarantor countries agreed on practical measures based on earlier agreements to protect the civilian population consistent with norms of international humanitarian law and to ensure security of servicemen of the guarantor countries stationed inside and outside the Idlib de-escalation area.