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Russia, Iran call for early resumption of inter-Syrian talks — ministry

Russian and Iranian diplomats call for observing the ceasefire in Syria

MOSCOW, September 14 /TASS/. Russia and Iran have called for observing the ceasefire in Syria and holding the inter-Syrian talks in Geneva as soon as possible, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday after consultations between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, the Russian president’s envoy for the Middle East and Africa, and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Jaberi Ansari.

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"The sides focused on the situation, which is unfolding in Syria, after a ceasefire took effect on September 12 in compliance with the Russian-U.S. agreement concluded on September 9 with an aim to strengthen the regime of cessation of military hostilities in Syria; fight terrorist groups and facilitate humanitarian access," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

Both diplomats noted the Syrian authorities’ constructive approach and determination to fulfill their part of the obligations in the interest of supporting the regime of cessation of military hostilities. They said it was necessary that all Syrian armed opposition groups observe the ceasefire. Any other line of conduct on their part will indicate their commitment exclusively to the use of force scenario in the settlement of the Syrian conflict and their links to the Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist groups (both organizations are banned in Russia - TASS).

The Russian and Iranian diplomats were unanimous in the opinion that an inclusive inter-Syrian dialogue should be established in Geneva on the basis of the Geneva communique dated June 30, 2012; the UN Security Council Resolution 2253 and decisions of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG).

The Russian Foreign Ministry said that other topics for discussion included Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Lebanon and the Persian Gulf as well as the Middle East settlement.

"It was confirmed that Russia and Iran should maintain an active political dialogue on urgent Middle East problems," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

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Foreign policy Islamic State Syrian conflict

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