MOSCOW. July 4 (Interfax) - Problems remain with determining and controlling the northern and southern de-escalation areas in Syria, a source close to the negotiations told Interfax.
"The process of coordination of the Syrian de-escalation areas goes on, and Turkey continues to insist on controlling the northern area. Problems remain in regard to the northern de-escalation area and the southern one," the source said.
Turkey insists on controlling the northern area, the Idlib zone, he said.
"The Turks want to be present in the north, in the Idlib area, while the Iranians reply that if the Turks are stationed there they should do the same or Russia should be there as a neutral side," the source said.
The northern area's border has yet to be determined, "same as who will be physically exercising control, either the Turks, or Iranians, or the Russians, or all together," he said.
Astana is playing host to a high-level meeting on Syria on Tuesday. The sides are expected to agree on parameters of the Syrian de-escalation areas.