Lavrov: So-called “Moderate Opposition” Should Break from ISIS, Jabhat al-Nusra Terror Groups

YEKATERINBURG- Moscow is convinced that the so-called Syria’s “moderate opposition” should distance itself from the ISIS and Jabhat Al-Nusra terrorist groups, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday following talks with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

“We believe that it is still necessary not to allow international terrorist entities to prevail here and to ensure the beginning of genuine and true negotiations between all Syrian sides,” Lavrov said.

This envisages strengthening the ceasefire regime and solving humanitarian problems in many parts of Syria, including in Aleppo, Lavrov said, according to Itar Tass.

 “We told our German friends about the steps that we are taking in contacts with the United States. We are convinced that a key goal is distancing the moderate opposition from the IS and Jabhat Al-Nusra,” he stressed. “It’s alarming that many so-called moderate opposition members more often coordinate their actions with these terrorists.”

The sides also discussed the situation in Aleppo, he said. “We hope that with the participation of Russia and the US, other Western countries and countries of the region, and the UN we will be able to improve the situation of the civilian population and not allow militants to dictate their conditions,” he stressed.

Risks for airlifting humanitarian cargo to Aleppo

According to the Russian top diplomat, there are great risks for airlifting humanitarian aid to Aleppo, it is important to make sure that it does not end up in the hands of terrorists.

“The situation in Aleppo is changing all the time,” the minister said. “We see very big risks (for airlifting humanitarian cargo – TASS), that it is not always possible – due to weather conditions or changing configuration on the gound – to deliver this cargo to those it is meant for rather than to terrorists.”

“While solving humanitarian problems, it is important to make sure that terrorists do not get reinforcements in terms of weapons, gunmen and ammunition under the guise of humanitarian aid,” Lavrov said.

“Those who want to deliver such cargo need to coordinate this, above all, with the Syrian government,” the minister said. He added that Russia would “coordinate its steps with the UN” in the issue of humanitarian aid delivery.

Three-hour pauses in battles near Syria’s Aleppo are insufficient

The minister went on to say that three-hour pauses in battles near Syria’s Aleppo are insufficient but for lengthier truce the issues of the fight against terrorists have to be resolved.

“Three-hour pauses a day are insufficient,” Lavrov said. “But to make them lengthy, it is necessary to deal with the issues of the fight against terrorists,” the Russian foreign minister said.

In the past, Russia and the United States were able to reach agreements and announce a truce regime for 48 and even for 72 hours, Lavrov said.

“As a result of these pauses, the humanitarian situation has been slightly eased,” the Russian foreign minister said.

“But their main result is that the terrorists’ ranks have been replenished with 7,000 fighters, to say nothing about a large number of ammunition and weapons,” the Russian foreign minister said.

“It is crucial to rule out weapons deliveries disguised as humanitarian supplies,” he added.

Russia Holds Special Responsibility in Aleppo, Syria: Steimeier

Germany’s Foreign Minister stated that Russia holds a special responsibility when it comes to the ceasefire and the creation of humanitarian corridors in Aleppo, Syria.

“Russia holds a special responsibility now in Aleppo when it comes to the ceasefire and the creation of humanitarian access. The situation in Aleppo remains difficult,” Steimeier said, according to Sputnik

“When time comes to rebuild Syria, Germany and Russia must work together,” he added.

H.M