Gatilov: Syrian Army Does not Breach Cessation of Hostilities Agreement

MOSCOW – Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov affirmed on Thursday that the Syrian army does not breach the cessation of hostilities agreement in Syria and that its effort is directed to fighting terrorism, SANA reported.

In a statement quoted by Sputnik news agency, Gatilov said the cessation of hostilities agreement excludes Jabhat al-Nusra and the other terrorist organizations placed on the UN Security Council sanctions list, making it clear that all the military operations carried out in Syria are aimed at eliminating these terrorist groups.

 He pointed out that the conditions are not yet favorable for holding direct talks between the parties to the Syrian-Syrian talks in Geneva.

He clarified that serious talks between the Syrian parties can only be done in the form of direct contact between the delegation of the Syrian government and the opposition groups, noting that this is not available right now because of the absence of a unified delegation representing the opposition.