Trio Backs Syrian Integrity

Russia, Turkey and Iran have "full understanding" of countering terrorism and preserving Syria's territorial integrity, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday. "Moscow, Ankara and Tehran do not 100% share the same goals in Syria. Each country may have different approaches to the situation in Syria. However, the trio has full understanding of countering terrorism and preserving Syria's territorial integrity," Lavrov said in his speech at Russia's Federation Council, Anadolu Agency reported. He said the three peace guarantor powers have managed to serve each other's interests. "These mutual interests provide consistent and effective work to the Astana format," he said. Russia, Turkey and Iran brokered a ceasefire in Syria in December 2016, leading them to the Astana peace talks in the Kazakh capital.