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Russian operation in Ukraine had no effect on its attention to Syria — presidential envoy

According to Alexander Lavrentyev, Russia believes that the time has come to wrap up the mechanism of trans-border aid to Syria

NUR-SULTAN, June 15. /TASS/. Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine had no effect on its attention to the situation in Syria, the Russian president’s special envoy, Alexander Lavrentyev, told reporters on Wednesday.

"It is being said that Russia’s attention to Syria has diminished amid the special military operation in Ukraine. A number of European countries want to see the situation in Syria develop in accordance with their templates. Well, I would like to say that the Syrian conflict and settlement still remain among the priorities of Russia’s foreign policy," he said.

According to Lavrentyev, Russia believes that the time has come to wrap up the mechanism of trans-border aid to Syria.

"Many are currently worried about the future functioning of the trans-border mechanism. As you know, Resolution 2585 expires on July 10. So far, we saw no Western steps towards easing of sanctions," he said

"This mechanism was created as a temporary measure, and, apparently, the time has come to channel all aid of the international community through Damascus <…> on legitimate grounds. This is Russia’s stance at the moment," he said in the run-up to the international meeting on Syria in the Astana format.

In his words, West has failed to fulfill its obligations regarding early reconstruction projects in Syria, announced a year ago.

"That is why, under those circumstances, we will consider the issue of wrapping up the trans-border mechanism. Maybe we will think about some new mechanism enabling the international community to provide assistance to Syria and restore its economy," Lavrentyev said.

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