Putin, Nazarbayev Note Syria De-Escalation Zones Deal Strengthens “Ceasefire”

MOSCOW— Russian and Kazakh presidents Vladimir Putin and Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed by phone the results of the fourth meeting on Syria in Astana held on May 3-4, noting that the memorandum to establish de-escalation zones in Syria would strengthen the ceasefire regime, the Kremlin press service said Friday, according to Sputnik.

“Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. When the leaders were discussing the results of the 4th international meeting on Syria held on May 3-4 this year in Astana, they expressed satisfaction with the adoption of the memorandum to create de-escalation zones,” the statement said.

 On May 4, Russia, Turkey and Iran, the Syrian ceasefire guarantor states, adopted a memorandum on four safe zones in the country.

“It was noted that its implementation by all parties would contribute to strengthening the regime of cessation of hostilities, improving the humanitarian situation and, in general, a political settlement of the crisis in Syria,” it said.

Putin discusses de-escalation zones in Syria with Russia’s Security Council

Meantime , Tass news agency reported that Putin discussed issues concerning the crisis in Syrian, particularly the setup of de-escalation zones, with the permanent members of the national Security Council, the Kremlin press service said in a statement.

“The parties also exchanged views on the Syrian crisis, focusing on the decision to establish de-escalation zones, made on Thursday at the Astana meeting,” the Kremlin press service added.

H.M