Germany urges Russia to avert regime attack on Idlib

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN

Germany called on Russia on Wednesday to use its influence on the Syrian regime to avert a large-scale military offensive on Idlib, the last opposition stronghold.

"We expect from Russia to deter a military escalation by the Syrian regime and in doing so prevent a humanitarian catastrophe," the government’s deputy spokeswoman told a news conference in Berlin.

Ulrike Demmer said Berlin was closely following the talks between Turkey, Russia and Iran.

"It is important to reach an understanding between Russia and Turkey, therefore we hope that the meeting between Russia, Turkey and Iran on Friday, as part of the Astana process, would contribute to a peaceful solution," she said.

Demmer also underlined that an unhindered humanitarian access to the civilian populated areas of Idlib should be ensured.

Located near the Turkish border, Idlib province is home to more than 3 million Syrians, many of whom fled from other cities following attacks by regime forces.

The Syrian regime has recently announced plans to launch a major military offensive to the area, which is controlled by various armed opposition groups.

On Tuesday, the UN’s humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock warned that such an offensive would lead to the "worst humanitarian catastrophe in the 21st century".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani are scheduled to meet in Tehran on Friday for a trilateral summit on Syria.