The Turkish government has invited Russia and Iran to talks on September 7 to discuss the war in Syria, local media reported, with fears of an impending offensive by Syrian forces near the Turkish border.

According to the Hurriyet newspaper, Turkey's presidential palace has called for the meeting in the context of the so-called Astana Process - a set of talks aimed at establishing ceasefires in the years-long Syrian civil war.
Ankara is concerned about a planned Syrian government offensive against rebels in Idlib near the Turkish border, which could set off a new wave of refugees heading for Turkey.
Turkish troops are already present in Idlib.
Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, said the meeting could take place in the Iranian capital Tehran, although there was no confirmation of this from the Iranian side.
Iran had already announced plans for a summit in early September in the city of Tabriz with the residents of Russia and Turkey, in order to discuss the Syria conflict.

Last updated: August 27 2018 06:57 PM