France calls on Russia to stick to southwest Syria de-escalation deal

France said a government offensive in southwest Syria carried the risk of destabilising the region and called on Russia to abide by commitments it had made last year to ensure a "de-escalation" zone in the area.

"France is extremely concerned about the offensive conducted by the Syrian regime and its supporters in southwest Syria. These attacks carry a risk of escalation and regional destabilisation," French foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll said in a statement on Thursday.

"France calls on Russia to enforce the commitments it made with regard to the ceasefire in southwestern Syria."