Russia expresses concern over the increase in terrorist attacks in Syria

Nur-Sultan, (ST) – The head of the Russian delegation to the seventeenth regular meeting of talks within the Astana format on Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, expressed his country’s concern over the increase in terrorist attacks in Syria.

In statements to reporters in the Kazakh capital, Nur-Sultan, Lavrentiev said today, “We can only be concerned about the increase in attacks by terrorist organizations, not only in northern Syria, but throughout its territories as well.”

He added that the Turkish regime does not fully implement its obligations under the agreements reached between the two countries and the Russian and Turkish presidents in March 2020.

Lavrentiev also said that, we hope that next January the seventh session of the committee to discuss the constitution will be held in Syria and that the Syrian parties will be able during this session to reach a solution.

On the unilateral coercive measures imposed on Syria, Lavrentiev said that, “unfortunately, the position regarding the continuation of sanctions against Damascus still exists, but we hope for some kind of adjustment early next year.”

Lavrentiev considered the Astana formula regarding resolving the crisis in Syria is still valid. “Nearly five years have passed since the launch of the Astana formula, and we believe that it retains its uniqueness in terms of its impact on the development of the situation on the ground and the course of the political process,” He said.

“Therefore, we are first and foremost here in Nur-Sultan with representatives of the delegation of Turkey, Iran and neighboring countries Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan and we will discuss all those issues that will allow us to move forward on the path towards this solution to the crises in Syria,” Lavrentiev added.

Lavrentiev indicated that Russia intends to draw attention to the problem of the return of Syrian refugees at the ongoing international meeting in the Astana format. He stressed that, “adequate and appropriate conditions must be created for the return of the Syrian refugees, and the Syrian government has done its best to achieve this, but this requires some funding although the process is ongoing, it is not as fast as we all hope.”

Lavrentiev announced that Russia had seen the report of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the border crossing mechanism in Syria, which indicates that the international community has joined in providing assistance to the Syrians.

In answering reporters’ questions, Lavrentiev affirmed that Russia positively evaluates the activities of Chinese investors in Syria. He considered this a good example for other countries to help Syria and rebuild its economy.

Raghda Sawas