ISTANBUL, Jan 18 (NNN-ANADOLU) – Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, slammed the Syrian government for failing to comply with the cease-fire, which was brokered by Turkey and Russia.
“It is a clear proof that the Syrian government does not comply with the steps we have taken, regarding the cease-fire,” Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul, referring to the latest airstrikes carried out by Syrian forces in Idlib, the country’s last rebel-stronghold province.
“Developments in Idlib are disturbing,” he said, noting that at least 20 civilians were killed in the attacks.
The Syrian government and Iranian-backed groups, on Friday, launched a ground offensive in Aleppo province, a designated deescalation zone, forcing at least 13,000 more civilians to move towards Turkey’s border.
Over one million refugees are now in the area near the Turkish border, fleeing from strikes.
Erdogan said, he would discuss the issue with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Sunday (tomorrow), in Berlin, Germany, during the international conference on Libya.
“Even though the Berlin meeting seems to be mainly about Libya, I am considering bringing the Idlib matter up,” he said.
The cease-fire in Idlib was initiated by Turkey and Russia and supposed to come into effect on Jan 12.– NNN-ANADOLU
