Russian-US Deal on Syria Ruined by Advocates of Military Solution

MOSCOW— Russia’s cessation of hostilities agreement with the United States on Syria has been broken down by forces advocating a military solution in the country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.

“Unfortunately, there were many who wanted to break up these agreements from the beginning, including within the US administration,” Lavrov said in a statement, Sputnik reported.

 “Unfortunately, they succeeded in this yesterday — those who opposed the political settlement of the crisis in Syria, who opposed the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions, and those who clearly harbor plans of a military scenario,” Lavrov stressed.

At the same time, the United States has proven unable to meet its obligations on Syria, including unblocking Castello road in Aleppo and separating terrorists from armed opposition, Russian Foreign Minister added. “Because of these internal contradictions, the US was unable to fulfill its obligations under our agreements,” Lavrov stressed.

“This is not only in regard to the separation of the moderate opposition from Jabhat al-Nusra [known as Jabhat Fatah al-Sham since July], but also to the very clear, concrete commitments to unblock Castello road… It is sad and regrettable,” Lavrov pointed out.

On Monday, the US State Department announced it was suspending bilateral channels with Russia that were established to sustain a cessation of hostilities agreement in Syria. State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said in a press briefing that Secretary John Kerry had informed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of the suspension.

 Russia does not shy away from its responsibilities on Syria, but the crisis can only be settled through joint efforts, including with the United States, Lavrov added.

 “We do not shy away from our responsibilities, but we believe that only collectively, only together — including with the US and Europe and with all the key countries in the region — can this crisis be resolved,” Lavrov said.

Unilateral steps could create the conditions for a military solution, he stressed.

H.M