UN chief urges full implementation of Idlib pact

The UN on Thursday called for the full implementation of a Turkish-Russian agreement that would avert widespread violence in northwestern Syria's Idlib province.

"If properly implemented, this could save 3 million civilians – including 1 million children – from catastrophe," Secretary General Antonio Guterres told reporters at the UN's New York headquarters.

"I call on all the parties to implement the agreement with a strong commitment to the protection of civilians, and to ensure humanitarian access, adhere to international humanitarian law and work urgently for greater progress in the Geneva process, in particular supporting my special envoy in the creation of a constitutional committee," Guterres added.

Ankara and Moscow signed an agreement Monday that calls for the demilitarization of Idlib, following a summit in Russia's coastal Black Sea town of Sochi.

Opposition groups in Idlib will remain in areas in which they are already present, while Russia and Turkey will conduct joint patrols in the area with a view to preventing any renewal of fighting.

Turkish and Russian military forces, meanwhile, will conduct joint patrols along the zone's perimeter.

Guterres thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin for their efforts.

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

Last month, the regime announced plans to launch a major military offensive in Idlib, Syria’s last opposition stronghold.