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Conflict in Syria

US withdrawal from Syria could boost dialogue between Kurds and Damascus — Russian envoy

"As for the Americans, we think that their presence in the northeast is solely dictated by the need to fight against what is left of the so-called ISIL, of course, but it is excessive," Alexander Lavrentyev noted

NUR-SULTAN, July 9. /TASS/. The withdrawal of US troops from Syria could facilitate dialogue between Damascus and the Kurds, Russian Special Presidential Envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentyev said in an interview with TASS.

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"As for the Americans, we think that their presence in the northeast is solely dictated by the need to fight against what is left of the so-called ISIL (former name of the Islamic State terrorist group outlawed in Russia - TASS), of course, but it is excessive," he said. "Their withdrawal could stimulate the development of dialogue between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the central government in Damascus with the aim of finding a compromise solution, and to return the Kurds and the Arabs living in the northeast to a united Syrian state."

The envoy pointed out that the Syrian army can ensure the country’s security by itself, adding that Iran had made a significant contribution to the fight against terrorism in Syria.

"I think that there are prospects [of withdrawing all foreign forces from Syria]. At least that’s what our Turkish friends say, they always stress that the presence of Turkish forces is a temporary measure, and as soon as the situation stabilizes, they will leave. Well, let’s take them at their word," he concluded.

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