A Syrian soldier is seen standing at the entrance of the Maarat al-Numan city, Idlib Province, Syria, on Jan. 30, 2020. (Photo by Maher/Xinhua)
The de-escalation zone in Idlib is turning into "an escalation zone" as militants there attack targets outside the zone, Lavrov said.
MOSCOW, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Russia and Turkey are planning a series of consultations regarding Syria's last rebel stronghold of Idlib, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday.
Moscow hopes both countries can ensure Idlib becomes a real de-escalation zone, free of militants, Lavrov said at a press conference.
The de-escalation zone in Idlib is turning into "an escalation zone" as militants there attack targets outside the zone, he said.
On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the recent escalation of tensions in Idlib during a telephone conversation. The two countries said their militaries would continue to maintain close contact. ■
