Lavrov says tangible progress has been made in the process of political settlement in Syria

MOSCOW, (ST)- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stressed that tangible progress has been made recently in the process of political settlement in Syria, noting the leading role played by the Astana talks on Syria in this regard.

“On October 30, Geneva hosted the first meeting of the Constitutional Committee on Syria composed of representatives of the government, the “opposition” and civil society,” Lavrov told the Armenian “Mediamax” news agency on Saturday,  pointing out that a decision on the committee’s establishment was made following the Syrian National Dialogue Congress held in Sochi in January 2018.

 The first round of talks of the Mini-Committee for Discussing the Constitution was concluded yesterday.

In a press conference he held in Geneva, the UN Chief’s Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said that the committee discussed important topics mainly Syria’s unity, territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty as well as the need to continue the fight against terrorism.

About Syria’s return to Arab League, the Armenian news agency quoted Lavrov as saying that Syria’s return to the “Arab family” is called upon to become an inalienable part of the final settlement of the crisis in Syria.

Lavrov went on to say that the requirement for the invigoration of the international efforts to provide comprehensive humanitarian relief for all Syrians without any preconditions is growing against the backdrop of progress on the political track.

“We appreciate Armenia’s contribution in this respect. It delivers humanitarian aid to Syria, clears mines, eliminates explosives and renders medical aid,” he said.

 Hamda Mustafa