Al-Maollem to Lavrov: Syria Ready to Resume Intra-Syrian Dialogue, But Washington, Allies Block Efforts in this Regard
MOSCOW, (ST)- Deputy Premier, Minister of Foreign Affairs and expatriates Walid al-Moallem has stressed that Syrian is ready to the cessation of hostilities and to cooperate in finding a political solution to the crisis through intra-Syrian dialogue without foreign interference.
During his meeting on Friday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, al-Moallem said we are ready to resume the intra-Syrian dialogue in Geneva immediately, but Washington and its allies don’t allow another round of talks to be held.
Al-Moallem went on to say that Syria is also ready to resume the cessation of hostilities in Aleppo in case it gets guarantees from terrorists’ sponsors to allow the exist of civilians from the area.
” Recently we decided to cease the fire in Aleppo and there was a humanitarian pause for three days during which the Russian and Syrian air forces stopped sorties over the city and this process is still working till now to ensure safe exist for civilians, but the terrorists of [Jabhat al-Nusra] and [Ahrar al-Sham] threatened civilians, who wanted to leave the eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo, against doing so,” al-Moallem said.
“Syria is determined to liberate every inch of its land from terrorism and it highly appreciates the Russian and Iranian contribution to Syria’s efforts aiming to achieve this goal,” al-Moallem added, referring to daily coordination between the three countries to achieve a the common goal of eliminating terrorism.
Al-Moallem thanked the Russian people and President Validmir Putin for Russia’s help in fighting terrorism in Syria. He said “President Bashar Al-Assad asked me to convey the thanks of the Syrian leadership, people and government to His Excellency President Vladimir Putin and the friendly Russian people for Russia’s effective contribution to the fight against terrorism.
On his part, Lavrov said “Russia sees no alternative for intensifying anti-terror efforts, because if we fail in this issue we will face the danger of losing the battle not only in Syria, but in the entire Middle east and North Africa.”
He added contacts between Moscow and Damascus are necessary to guarantee accurate and strict implementation of the Security Council resolutions on Syria.
Lavrov pointed out that some western partners were trying to distort the international resolutions on Syria and to shift focus from terrorism fighting efforts to other issues.
“Russia will spare no effort as to support the Syrian people who are experiencing toughened coercive unilateral economic measures,” Lavrov said, stressing that these restrictions target peaceful people first of all.
He expressed hope that his talks with both al-Moallem and the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will help set up solutions to achieve settlement in Syria.
Hamda Mustafa