Position of the MFA on the Cessation of Hostilities in Syria
12 September 2016 News
We welcome the agreement between the United States and Russia as co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group on Cessation of Hostilities in Syria as well as on subsequent military coordination.
The duration and the difficulties of the US-Russia negotiations in Geneva were predetermined by the intersection of different and sometimes opposing interests in Syria. In view of the severe humanitarian crisis and the lack of an alternative to a political settlement of the conflict, we call upon all stakeholders in the process in Syria and upon the countries in the region to take an active part in achieving effective and lasting ceasefire. Of particular importance is the lifting of all sieges and ensuring access to humanitarian aid for Syrian citizens in need, among which there are women and children as well.
We reaffirm the position that only a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Syria could lead to an end of the civil war and to achieving lasting peace and security in the region. These conditions will contribute to the elimination of Da’esh and other UN-listed terrorist entities in Syria, as well as towards easing migratory pressure on Europe.