Vyacheslav Matuzov: "Those who bet on military solution to Syrian conflict will not come to Astana"

On January 23,  Astana will host an international meeting on the Syrian settlement. The Arabist, a veteran of Russian diplomacy Vyacheslav Matuzov told Vestnik Kavkaza about the situation in and relating to the Middle East region.

- How do you assess Russia's position on the Syrian crisis?

- This is definitely the main element that allowed the Syrian people to emerge from the civil war. Russia's military participation changed the overall picture, when the Syrian government was almost on the verge of failure. Sending Russian air forces to Syria and then deploying there additional anti-aircraft missile systems S-400 and S-300, Russia saw a danger not only of the development of the inter-Syrian conflict, but also of the US military intervention.

A year and a half years ago, there was an issue about a direct US intervention in the affairs of Syria and maintenance of a so-called no-fly zone in northern Syria, including Aleppo, by introducing the US Armed Forces there. The threat of the US military intervention prompted our leadership to help the Syrian government not only in the struggle with the opposition and the terrorist groups, but also in preventing the US invasion. If the US invasion took place, Damascus would be ruled by ISIS today. From the recent speeches of the Secretary of State John Kerry it becomes clear that, in fact, the Americans encouraged ISIS. John Kerry says: "We did not fight them, we allow them to deal with the Syrian regime."

ISIS and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (the former Jabhat al-Nusra) were left behind brackets by the UN Security Council decision. This does not mean the US would tolerate them forever. They would have defeated them in the second phase. But their main task at the first stage was to throw Russia out of the region and to overthrow the regime. The overthrow of the regime would entail a change in the overall situation in Iraq, Egypt and Libya.

The Obama administration had set the task to destabilize the entire region and strengthen its activities against Russia, destroy the Arab countries, the Islamic world. Now, I hope that Moscow and Washington will start cooperating not only on Syria, but also on Libya we will find a common language with Donald Trump. Recent negotiations with the Libyan leadership say that we has firmly come to the Middle East. The main task is to prevent the destabilization. In this case, Russia has played a positive role for the Islamic world, for the Arab world. It is well understood by both Arabs and the international community. I think Trump will proceed from this concept.

- What tasks can be solved at the inter-Syrian meeting in Astana?

- The Astana meeting has one task - to achieve a stable ceasefire. Those who have political differences, continue this war, but the differences can be solved by political means. The armed groups, which represent the political opposition, do not agree with the course of the authorities, this is one category. But there is another category, which stubbornly refuses a truce and a ceasefire. Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, Ahrar al-Sham will not be present in Astana. These are organizations that rely on military solutions. It is their choice. And for those who have accepted the cease-fire policy, the political process will continue, and quite successfully.

- How relations between Moscow and Washington on Syria will develop under the new US administration?

- It's a difficult question. I hope that we will find a common language. A man of Donald Trump's stature, who has reached great heights in business by his own mind and created himself, should understand the national interests of America.

Despite the all known differences, it is easier to reach a compromise with Trump rather than with Hillary Clinton. When they say that Hillary Clinton is more predictable, I cannot agree. The one who understands his own interests is predictable. In my opinion, Donald Trump understands them. His campaign statements say about his readiness to coordinate, cooperate with Russia.

- What do you think about relations between the US and Iran?

- I think that Trump will depart from his declared position against nuclear agreement with Iran. Having been engaged in Middle East politics, Trump will see the real role of Iran in this region, and will be guided by the same things as Russia. We do not divide the Shiite and Sunni Muslims, relations with Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Libya, Egypt, Syria, as well as Turkey are important to us. In my opinion, the split is the main danger to the Islamic Arab world now. We are in favor of consolidation. We want the Arab world to live in peace. Split, destabilization at our southern borders is a direct threat to Russia's national security. The contacts on the Middle East will play a key role in building the Russian-American relations. I think Trump will agree with our concept at some point. We do not have a hostile attitude toward the United States, no desire to squeeze Americans out from somewhere. We want to cooperate with them.

- What are the prospects of development of the Russian-Turkish relations?

- I am a supporter of the view that the salvation of [President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan from the failed armed coup - is the work of Russia. The plot was serious, the commander of the Turkish Air Force was the head of the conspiracy, and his headquarters was at the Incirlik air base, where the US command is located. The attempted coup in Turkey seriously sobered President Erdogan. A shake-up, which it provoked in both the Armed forces and in political circles of its own country, is an indication that, even being a NATO member, Turkey will stop to be an American puppet, having acquired political independence. From the point of view of economic relations, The relations with Russia are of key importance for Turkey. We are neighbors, we are linked by many projects. I think that common sense will prevail.

Turkey still has its own view on the Syrian government and Bashar Assad. But we have a common platform - to leave it to the Syrian people to decide. Let the Syrian people to decide the fate of their country, not John McCain, not Vladimir Putin, nor Donald Trump. I think that this point of view will suit the Turkish government, and  a solution can be found on this basis.