Russian DM Shoigu Urges West to Separate Syrian “Opposition” from Terrorists

KUBINKA (Moscow Region)- Western countries should separate Syrian terrorists from the “moderate opposition” and stop providing aid “across the board,” Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday, Sputnik reported.

Speaking at the talks with his Lebanese counterpart Yaacoub Sarraf, the Russian defense minister stressed that the movement of terrorists from one country to another “cannot continue indefinitely.”

“I would like our Western partners… finally to separate the moderate opposition from terrorists and stop rendering assistance across the board,” Shoigu said.

 He named Syria as an example where the enactment of de-escalation zones has helped focus efforts on combating terrorism.

The West’s long-standing support for so-called “moderate rebels” used to result in the weaponry ending up in the hands of terrorists, who sought to hamper peace efforts.

In order to stop the war in Syria, the de-escalation zones were established with the participation of the three guarantor states, including Russia, Turkey and Iran. The de-escalation zones have been established for six months with the option of extending them automatically for another six months.

As of today, the guarantor states have managed to reach agreements with “opposition” groups on creating three zones of which the third one was agreed upon in late July. The consultations on the fourth safe zone in the Idlib province are ongoing.

Syrian Southern De-Escalation Zone Monitoring Center Opens in Jordan

The Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday that a joint monitoring center of a de-escalation zone in southwestern Syria has opened in the Jordanian capital of Amman.

According to the ministry, the center, which is located in the Syrian provinces of Daraa and Quneitra, begins work in accordance with the “Amman Format” agreements reached between Russia, the United States and Jordan.

The center is tasked with ensuring compliance with the local ceasefire, allowing unhindered access to humanitarian supplies, as well as medical and other forms of assistance to civilians in the zone.

The three safe zones, which were established in the area north of Homs, in Eastern Ghouta immediately east of Damascus, and in the country’s south, including parts of Daraa and Quneitra provinces, are already operational.

H.M