Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Remarks to the press by the Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Vitaly Churkin following UN Security Council consultations on Syria

March 14, 2016

 

V.Churkin: It’s very good to mark the tragic 5th anniversary of the conflict in Syria by finally setting in train all the components of the process. We have a cessation of hostilities regime which has been holding for 17 days. We have some improvement of the humanitarian situation and of the ability to provide humanitarian assistance. And finally we have negotiations which have started. Staffan de Mistura didn’t go into details, obviously, it’s only the beginning. But I hope that our discussion today will help further consolidate the efforts of everyone who has influence on the process - and we do have the tools now. We do have the International Syria Support Group, we do have Cessations of Hostilities Working Group in Geneva, Humanitarian Group in Geneva. And all those who have influence on anybody who is an actor should exercise this influence in a positive direction. So I hope this is going to happen.

Q. What is the reaction to the Russian President announcement (on troops withdrawal from Syria)?

V.Churkin: I heard at least from some of the speakers that the Russian decision shows our deep commitment to the political process. And I think this is a proper interpretation of this decision.