Zaspkin Cautions against Terrorists’ Exploiting of Humanitarian Pause in Aleppo to Reinforce their Positions

BEIRUT, (ST)-Russia’s Ambassador To Lebanon Alexander Zaspkin has cautioned against terrorists’ exploiting of the humanitarian pause, proposed by the United Nations and supported by Moscow in Aleppo, in regrouping themselves and reinforcing their positions.

 Two days ago, the UN Chief’s Special Envoy for Syria Staffan De Mistura suggested declaring a humanitarian pause for 48 hours a week in Aleppo. The Russian Defense Ministry voiced support for de Mistura’s suggestion.

Interviewed by the “al-Mayadeen” TV on Saturday, Zaspkin stressed the need to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance and urged intensifying cooperation among all concerned sides in this regard.   

He pointed out that there is continuous cooperation with Iran in the issues of fighting terrorism and finding political settlement in Syria.

 Concerning the Russian-Turkish agreements and the issue of controlling the borders, Zaspkin said “the agreements reached between the two sides can’t be implemented in one day, they need more time,” noting that cooperation hasn’t reached the hoped-for level.  

 Hamda Mustafa