Lavrov reports Saudi, Jordanian support for Syrian de-escalation zones

Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov affirmed their support for the July 7 US-Russian agreement for safe – de-escalation – zones in Deraa, Quneitra and western Swaida, when they met in Amman Monday. The two foreign ministers said the ceasefire deal in southwestern Syria was successful and were determined to set up another safe zone in the area as soon as possible.
Lavrov arrived in Amman from a visit to Jeddah Saturday and talks with Saudi King Salman. He reported that they had agreed on the importance of de-escalation zones in Syria, as well as efforts to establish a united Syrian opposition delegation for peace talks in Geneva. Before he arrived in Jedda, Lavrov said he hoped that the next round of Syrian talks in Astana on Wednesday and Thursday would lead to a fourth de-escalation zone created in rebel-held Idlib.