Russian diplomat says de Mistura’s initiative is main pattern of action on Syria

Russian Politics & Diplomacy October 17, 2016, 15:38

Unilateral decisions on Syria are impossible, a comprehensive approach is needed, says a diplomat

MOSCOW, October 17./TASS/. The initiative of UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura is the main pattern for action in Syria, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Monday.

"The main pattern (on Syria) that can be used after a certain update, and probably used with results - is the pattern basing on de Mistura’s initiative on creating humanitarian corridors, on certain parameters of aid delivery," he said.

"This issue was discussed in Lausanne," Ryabkov said.

"Unilateral decisions are impossible. Russia has never proposed anything unilateral," he stressed. "As for the crisis settlement, only a comprehensive approach, only agreements between the conflicting parties, only political dialogue are needed," he said.

"It is impossible to have those responsible for the settlement of humanitarian problems de-facto supporting the opposition to the legitimate authorities in power in Damascus," Ryabkov said.

"The point is not what scheme to invent, how long the pause will continue, although this is also important, because as long the pause continues, the more possibilities terrorists have for regrouping, receiving reinforcements, treating the wounded," he said.

"The question is to make those, who see no further than their own concept of how the world should be organized, realize at last that the decision can come only through the process of agreements. It cannot be dictated and imposed," Ryabkov added.

Lausanne format

According to Ryabkov, Russia is prepared to work on the settlement in Syria in the "Lausanne format" and doesn’t reject any other formats.

"I believe this is not just possible, we need to carry on in this format," he noted. "I want to say that the bilateral dialogue with the US continues as well. In fact, such exchanges continue on a daily basis."

"We ourselves do not reject any formats and urge others to use all opportunities," Ryabkov added.

On October 15, Lausanne hosted a meeting of the top diplomats of Russia, the US, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura. The participants failed to reach any specific agreements. However, the parties expressed the intention to continue work.

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