Russia and US to ‘redouble’ efforts for Syrian political settlement

Russia and the United States on May 9 agreed to step up efforts to find a political solution to the Syrian conflict and extend a truce across the whole of the country.

“The Russian Federation and United States are determined to redouble efforts to reach a political settlement of the Syrian conflict,” according to a joint U.S.-Russian statement published by the Russian and U.S. foreign ministries on May 9.

The two sides, co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), noted “progress” in curbing fighting, but stressed the “difficulties faced... in several areas of the country, especially in the recent period, as well as remaining problems in ensuring humanitarian access to the besieged areas.

“As a result, we have decided to reconfirm our commitment to the [cease-fire] in Syria and to intensify efforts to ensure its nationwide implementation.”

They added: “We also intend to enhance efforts to promote humanitarian assistance to all people in need.”

To this end Russia “will work with the Syrian authorities to minimize aviation operations over areas that are predominantly inhabited by civilians or parties” to the ceasefire, it said.

Washington meanwhile said it was “committed to intensifying its support and assistance to regional allies to help them prevent the flow of fighters [sic], weapons or financial support to terrorist organizations across their borders.”...
 [hurriyetdailynews.com]
9/5/16
--
-
Related:

• Syria FM: Regimes of Riyadh, Ankara and Doha defy international legitimacy 

• Syria: Hasaka locals reject US troops entering Remeilan, express solidarity with Aleppo

• Turkey ready to send ground troops to Syria "if necessary" (Davutoglu)

• Manbij region : ISIL/ISIS must be pushed back in northern Syria (Turkish minister)

--

• Paris to Host Saudi, Qatar, UAE, Turkey FMs for Syria Talks Monday