Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Erdogan Warns Moscow on Idlib Amid Fears of Refugee Exodus

Dorian Jones

   ISTANBUL - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a rare warning
   to Moscow to rein in the Syrian government's Idlib offensive. The
   capture of a critical town Wednesday by regime forces is stoking fears
   in Ankara of a new exodus of refugees into Turkey.

   Erdogan, returning from a three-day tour of Africa, accused Moscow of
   reneging on agreements on Syria and issued an ultimatum.
   "We have waited until now, but from this point, we are going to take
   our own action. This is not a threat, but our expectation is that
   Russia will give the regime the necessary warning," said Erdogan.

   The warning came as Syrian government forces captured the rebel-held
   town of Marat al-Numan. The government offensive, backed by Russian air
   power, is advancing deeper into Idlib province, the last bastion of
   rebel forces and home to 3 million people.

   Erdogan claims the offensive violates last year's agreement, hammered
   out with Moscow to protect the province. But Moscow insists the attack
   is targeting only terrorists, which the deal allows.

.