Cavusoglu Calls For Clear Separation Of Radical Terrorists From Civilians In Syria's Idlib

Cavusoglu Calls For Clear Separation of Radical Terrorists From Civilians in Syria's Idlib

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Tuesday stressed the need to clearly distinguish radical militants from civilian population during the fight against terrorism in Syrias Idlib province

ANKARA (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 14th August, 2018) Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Tuesday stressed the need to clearly distinguish radical militants from civilian population during the fight against terrorism in Syrias Idlib province.

"The Idlib zone is home to more than 3 million civilians, but there are also terrorists from Eastern Ghouta, Aleppo and other zones there. They threaten the civilian population. We should have a common strategy with Russia and other powers, identify and eliminate terrorists. Despite their presence, we cannot bomb the city, as it will result in mass casualties [among civilians]. We should separate radicals and civilians. We must conduct the fight against terrorists together," Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Cavusoglu noted the progress made during the Astana peace process.

"Within the framework of the Astana process, we have taken measures aimed at building more confidence between the Idlib opposition and the government. We have [established] 12 observation posts, we are doing our best to reduce tensions in this region," he stressed.