Lavrentiev: Terrorism in Syria must be eliminated, and there must be no compromise with terrorists

Sochi (ST):  The Russian President’s Special Envoy to Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, affirmed that the fifteenth international meeting within the Astana formula on Syria will discuss support for efforts to find a political solution to the crisis there and the need to continue the war on terrorism until its final elimination.

He  stressed that there are no compromises with terrorists, whether “ISIS” or “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham”.

In statements to reporters on the sidelines of the fifteenth international meeting within the Astana formula on Syria in the Russian city of Sochi  Lavrentiev said that terrorism must be eliminated in Syria and no compromise with terrorists, whether ISIS or Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

He pointed out that the guarantor countries of the Astana formula intend during the meeting to give a strong impetus to the political settlement process and to discuss the return of Syrian refugees to their country and the economic situation in Syria.

Lavrentiev underlined the importance of the work of the Constitution Committee in finding a political solution to the crisis in Syria, explaining that during the fourth and fifth rounds, many interesting ideas and proposals were expressed and work is being done to provide  constructive environment for its work.

Lavrentiev confirmed that the United States refused to participate in the 15th international meeting within the Astana formula, and said we sent an invitation to our American partners to participate in the meeting, but unfortunately it was rejected as the Americans are currently busy with their internal affairs.

The fifteenth international meeting within the Astana formula on Syria began in Sochi this morning  with the participation of the Syrian Arab Republic delegation headed by Dr. Ayman Susan, Deputy Foreign and expatriates’  Minister.

K.Q.