Lavrov, Kerry Discuss Blocking Syrian-Turkish Border to Stem the flow of Terrorists

VIENNA- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced late on Monday that he and his US counterpart John Kerry discussed blocking the Syrian-Turkish border to stem the flow of terrorists sneaking into Syria from Turkish territory.

According to Lavrov, both the US and Russia believe it is necessary to send a “strong signal” to the contingent of the Syrian opposition that does not want to seek compromise and insists on setting preconditions, RT reported.

 Speaking at a Vienna press-conference following a meeting with John Kerry, Lavrov said that the top diplomats had discussed three key issues – ensuring the ceasefire in Syria, working on further measures to facilitate humanitarian access to the blocked areas, and moving the Syrian political process forward.

Lavrov said that the parties had mapped out proposals that they “will be able to offer…to the members” of the ISSG (International Syria Support Group), whose meeting is scheduled for Tuesday.

Iran’s Zarif says military solution in Syria an ‘illusion’

VIENNA- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif  has stressed that Vienna Conference of the International Syria Support Group ISSG should focus on fighting the terrorist organizations which pose serious threat to Syria and the entire world and on the need not to allow the terrorists to exploit the “cessation of hostilities” as to launch terrorist attacks against the Syrian people.

Upon his arrival at the Austrian capital late on Monday to take part in the upcoming  ISSG meeting, Zarif affirmed that military solution to the conflict in Syria is nothing but an “illusion.” to take part in the upcoming International Syria Support Group (ISSG) meeting.

  “We are going to continue to insist on the need for a comprehensive ceasefire, of course excluding terrorist groups,” Zarif said according to the Press TV.

He stressed that a political solution is the only way to solve the crisis in Syria, which has been gripped by foreign-backed terrorism since March 2011.

 “Unfortunately there seems to be a persistence by some that they want to pursue a military solution, that illusion has to come to an end and they should look for a political solution,” the Iranian foreign minister said.

Iran, Russia, Turkey and Saudi Arabia as well as representatives from the European Union and the Arab League are among the countries participating in the ISSG meeting on Tuesday.

 The 17-nation ISSG aims to discuss the stalled negotiations, challenges in maintaining the February “ceasefire” and the delivery of UN humanitarian aid to various areas across the war-ravaged country.

Almost immediately upon arrival, Zarif held talks with UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura over the upcoming ISSG meeting after he held a meeting with EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini where they discussed regional and international developments and the implementation of the Iran’s nuclear deal.

H.M