Putin: Cessation of Hostilities Necessary for Development of Political Process in Syria

SOCHI- Russian President Vladimir Putin has stressed that the development of the political process in Syria necessitates preserving the cessation of hostilities in the country.

Putin made the remarks during a joint press conference with President of the Turkish regime Recep Tayyib Erdogan in Sochi.

“For the development of the political process [in Syria], a ceasefire must be provided… Russia, Turkey and Iran have all the time been thinking of how to secure this practice of a ceasefire, “the Russian president said on Wednesday during a joint press conference with Turkish President Erdogan in Sochi,  clarifying that one of the methods is creating de-escalation zones,” Putin said, according to RT.

 The Russian president went on to say that he discussed introducing de-escalation zones in Syria with Erdogan during talks in Sochi on Wednesday and with US President Donald Trump in a phone call the previous day.

Consultations with Tehran and Damascus have also been held on the issue, Putin said.

Moscow has already conducted “preliminary consultations” with Damascus and Tehran on the matter, Putin said, adding that the issue has also been discussed with US President Trump, who appears to support the idea of de-escalation zones.

“We all reason from [a position] that mechanisms to guarantee the end of bloodshed and provision for the beginning of a political dialogue must be created,” the Russian president said.

However, the different Syrian sides should themselves make “the final decision,” Putin added.

“In the end, only they are in charge of their country’s fate. On our side, we – Russia, Turkey and Iran – as guarantors of a ceasefire, will make everything for such mechanisms to improve and be efficient,” he told the media.

The Russian president pointed out that regardless of de-escalation zones, the fight will continue against terrorist organizations in Syria such as Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL), Al-Nusra Front and other groups seen as terrorist by the United Nations.

The question of ceasefire monitoring in possible de-escalation zones is “an issue for separate talks,” Putin added, saying that international military officials are in contact on the subject.

“In terms of air force flights, aviation will also not be deployed in de-escalation zones, on condition of no military activity there,” the Russian president told journalists in Sochi.

For his part, the Turkish regime president considered that the cessation of hostilities that was sponsored by Russia, Iran, and Turkey is a great opportunity to reach a solution to the crisis in Syria

He indicated that “the positions of Turkey and Russia are identical regarding the need for a political solution to the crisis in Syria and priority should be given to Syria’s political unity and territorial integrity, as well as fighting terrorist organizations and putting an end to the proxy war in the country.”