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Syria Supports De-Escalation Zones, Rejects UN Involvement
Stephen Lendman
On Monday, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said his government supports the Russian, Iranian, Turkish plan, adding:
Agreement reached aims to stop “bloodshed and improve the living conditions of the Syrian population…”
He expressed “hope that all armed parties will be committed to the provisions of the memorandum. But if any violation takes place, the Syrian army will be prepared to respond in a decisive manner.”
Thanking the courage and resilience of Syria’s people and military, he said “we are exerting all possible efforts to prevent foreign interference in (our) affairs.”
Damascus rejects US-controlled UN involvement and other international forces as de-escalation zone monitors - including any from NATO and/or regional rogue states hostile to Syrian peace, stability and sovereignty.
“The Syrian Government is not afraid of its right to respond to any violation of the memorandum of the de-escalation zones, and it shoulders the guarantor states the first responsibility,” al-Moallem stressed.
“We are confident that the Russian and Iranian guarantors (will perform) their duty in implementing this memorandum.”
Al-Moallem is wary of Turkey’s intentions, at war with Syria, wanting its northern territory annexed. Government forces will continue combating ISIS, al-Nusra and other terrorist groups attacking its people, he explained.
On Monday, Defense Secretary Mattis said “general parameters” of the de-escalation zone plan are “well understood.”
The Pentagon is examining them with regard to who’ll serve as monitors, who signed up, who’ll be kept out, and how the plan affects US operations, Mattis explained, adding details need to be worked out.
Russia’s proposal is an attempt to curb violence in designated areas, hoping it’ll advance eventual conflict resolution.
Washington wants endless war and regime change, both countries world’s apart on Syria and virtually all other vital geopolitical issues.
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Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.
His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."
http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html
Visit his blog site at http://www.sjlendman.blogspot.com.
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