Sergey Lavrov in Munich: "A ceasefire in Syria is possible with coordination between the Russian Federation and the coalition"

The Munich Safety Conference – an international discussion forum attended by politicians, diplomats, servicemen, businessmen, academic and public figures from all over the world – is continuing in Germany. One of the main themes of the conference was the conflict around Syria. Following a meeting with members of the International Syrian Support Group, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called it timely, stating the main result of the meeting was the absolute confirmation of resolution 2254 of the UN Security Council in all its entirety. It relates to the humanitarian aspects of the political process, the fight against terrorism and issues of a ceasefire.

Lavrov was glad that US Secretary of State John Kerry’s position has a more understanding attitude toward the Russian operation in Syria. We managed to agree on the principles of a resolution of the humanitarian problems, as well as the fact that that access will be provided throughout the territory of Syria to all besieged areas without exception. "This will be done in a package, in order not discriminate or solve the problems of one part of Syria at the expense of ignoring other problems in other parts of the country. In particular, we were concerned that the previous efforts of the UN, when such decisions were worked out together with the government and the opposition, were very often cancelled due to the fault of the latter," Lavrov said.

At a meeting of the International Syrian Support Group, its participants agreed to create a task group that is to meet tomorrow in Geneva, and it will work regularly under the chairmanship of Russia and the United States, with the participation of experts. Its goal is to help the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies to fulfill their obligations towards the civilian population. A mechanism has been worked out, which can allow the complexity to be considered objectively and quick solutions found for appropriate situations. ‘‘It was recorded in today’s documents that we will work together with the Syrian government and opposition groups which have contacts with us and hope. We hope that the US, the region's countries and other members of the International Syrian Support Group will use their influence on relevant opposition groups so that they could cooperate with the United Nations in full measure. We have a common commitment to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, and we hope that it will be done. This is especially important taking into account the fact that some of the recent measures to solve the humanitarian problems in Syria were concerned only with the refugees and they did not affect the fate of the huge number of internally displaced persons,’’ the head of the Russian foreign Ministry said.

He welcomed the willingness of the United States and other countries to join operations to supply humanitarian aid to Deir ez-Zor with the help of aircraft, which were carried out by the Russian side, together with the Syrian government in those regions where the largest number of civilians are under siege. "We have also agreed to use the parachuting of humanitarian assistance in other selected areas, where the situation allows it. However, the main efforts need to be made on the ground.

Another important achievement of today’s meeting today was the issue of a ceasefire and the cessation of the armed confrontation as the first step. This is not an easy task, as too many players are participating in the military operations. It is important to use the unique potential of the Syrian International Support Group, which brings almost all the countries together that influence the militants one way or another.

We agreed to prepare the modalities  that are to determine the cessation of hostilities over the course of a week. We believe that during this time the Syrian government and opposition groups will be able to take the necessary steps to prepare for a cessation of hostilities, and the modalities will be developed by another task group, which was created today under the chairmanship of Russia and the United States. It consists of diplomats and servicemen, as it is very difficult to solve practical problems without them. The modalities that are to be developed are also important,’’ Sergey Lavrov said.

He also underlined that the agreement, particularly the mandate of the task group, will include a definition of common approaches regarding the territories under the control of ISIS, Djabhat al-Nusra and other terrorist groups, which are considered as such by the United Nations Security Council.

"During all these months, we have had a very emotional discussion of who attacks right or wrong targets, and we have many times suggested a professional analysis of the issue. Now, due to the agreement that the target group will define regions which are occupied by ISIS and al-Nusra, as well as other terrorists, we have made a very important step on the direction. I would like to note that for the first time in our work, the adopted document requires a necessity of cooperation and coordination not only on political and humanitarian issues, but also on the military dimension of the Syrian crisis. It is a major change in approaches, and we welcome it and has many times suggested it,” Lavrov stated.

He also believe that it is important that today’s document clearly confirms the need to completely fulfil UN Security Council resolutions that call for stopping the influx of terrorists and militants from foreign states, illegal oil trade and other contraband.

“The task of resuming the negotiating process that was suspended in circumstances when part of the opposition voiced a completely unconstructive stance and tried to advance pre-conditions was also underscored. We wrote down that the talks should resume as soon as possible, without any ultimatums, in full conformity with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and should include a wide range of opposition forces. As you know, not all real opposition members from certain groups of the Syrian population have been invited to attend these talks. As we confirmed today, the UN will be strictly guided by principles formalised in Resolution 2254,” Lavrov said.

According to him, “an ability to respect our obligations and to fulfil our agreements will serve as a real endurance test for our relations. Unfortunately, this problem arises not only in the context of the Syrian crisis. We constantly see the inability of some our partners to negotiate. I have already mentioned attempts to reinterpret Resolution 2254. We are facing similar approaches while, for example, reviewing the implementation of the UN Security Council resolution that has approved a package of measures to resolve the Ukrainian crisis and on other issues. I am not talking about the Palestinian problem. We should learn somehow not to merely compromise but to fulfil other agreements formalised by them. It is not beneficial when one of the sides tries to find reasons not to fulfil agreements. The complete fulfillment of the agreements we reached today, rather than only those components that suit one or several members of the International Syria Support Group, will become a real endurance test.”

Lavrov stated that “many countries, including the United States, remain focused on “the issue of Assad,” though the UN Security Council Resolution stipulates, and we reiterated it today, that only the Syrian people will decide the fate of Syria.”

The Russian Minister reminded that Jabhat al-Nusra, Jaysh al-Islam and Ahrar ash-Sham, as well as a number of more moderate groups – use the same supply route from one and the same place in Turkey. “This fact is important because the resolution of the UN Security Council that preceded Resolution 2254 prohibits providing any supplies to the terrorist groups,” the Minister said.

He stressed that the ceasefire would not apply to ISIS, Jabhat an-Nusra and other affiliated groups recognised as terrorists by the UN Security Council. Therefore, Aerospace Forces will continue to work on these groups.

Most importantly, both – the Syrian Government and the opposition – should come to terms with regard to the ceasefire. The ceasefire cannot be introduced immediately, but in a about a week’s time, if the Syrian Government and the opposition do their homework properly. “Perhaps, we will have to exert our influence on the Syrian sides. I hope everyone will exert such an influence on the Syrian Government and various opposition groups. Again, terrorists are not part of this equation,” Sergey Lavrov stressed.