German Chancellor Angela Merkel and U.S. President Donald Trump
Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed recent developments in Syria with U.S. President Donald Trump over the phone on Monday, her spokesman said.
“The chancellor and the president share concerns about developments in Syria, especially the humanitarian situation in Idlib region,” Steffen Seibert said in a statement.
“Russia is called upon to use its moderating influence on the Syrian regime and prevent a further escalation,” he added.
The Russian Ministry of Defence said on Monday it had noticed Washington was building up its military forces in the Middle East in preparation for what Moscow feared was a possible strike on Syrian government forces, Russian news agencies reported.Major-General Igor Konashenkov was quoted by agencies as saying that the USS Ross, a guided-missile destroyer, had entered the Mediterranean on Aug. 25 armed with 28 Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of hitting any target in Syria. Russia, Tajikistan deny any air attack in Afghan border clash
Russia says sees signs US preparing for possible strike on Syria
The phone call between Merkel and Trump came amid growing worries over Syrian regime’s possible military offensive on the Idlib region, which is controlled by opposition forces.
The two leaders also discussed international trade issues, the situation in Ukraine and developments in Western Balkans, according to Merkel’s spokesman.