A summit brokered by Russia, Turkey and Iran resumed today with a declared aim of reimplementing a nation-wide cessation of hostilities, providing the government and opposition with assurances that could restart a much-desired political process and urging all warring sides in Syria to sign a memorandum of understanding that would establish a so-called de-escalation zone for refugees in the war-torn country.
“Russian Federation came up with a suggestion on creation of so-called de-escalation zones in Syria. We believe that this can really break the dead-lock and help solving the old problem of distinguishing moderate Syrian opposition from terrorist organizations first of all Islamic State and the Nusra Front (Al-Qaeda). And it will help to decrease the level of armed conflict between armed Syrian opposition and the government forces,” said Alexander Lavrentyev, Russian Lead Negotiator.
The Astana summit came just after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared, following a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, that a ceasefire in Syria was only possible if Turkey, Russia and Iran would act as guarantors, a move that would ultimately lead to the right circumstances that will allow a renewed attempt to bring about a political solution to the Syria conflict.
“We cannot ignore the suffering of the innocent so we are making all efforts to find a solution to the problem (in Syria). My friend Mr Putin also wants to find an end to this situation. I believe my friend Mr Putin will play a major role in establishing a ceasefire. Establishing a ceasefire or creating what we now call a pause in the conflict, with Turkey, Russia and Iran as guarantors is the only way an attempt at a political solution will have a chance,” said Erdogan.