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04Mar16


Russian Defense Ministry registers 41 ceasefire violations in Syria March 2, 3


The Russian Defense Ministry registered 41 ceasefire violations in Syria on March 2 and March 3, head of the Russian Center for the reconciliation of the warring sides Lt. Gen. Sergei Kuralenko said on Friday.

"A total of 41 ceasefire violations by terrorist groups' gunmen were registered on March 2 and March 3," he said.

According to him, the most difficult situation remains in Aleppo province, where 13 ceasefire violations have been registered over the past 24 hours alone. Also, seven ceasefire violations were registered in Idlib province, the same number in Damascus province, four in Homs province and four in Daraa province. "In Latakia and Quneitra provinces three and two violations have been registered respectively, in Hama province -- one violation," he added.

In particular, on March 3, "the urban neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsood, Sheik Aqil, Al Castello and Marj "came under repeated mortar attacks by the Jabhat Ansar al-Din and Fastaqim Kama Umitra groups," Kuralenko said. According to him, unidentified gunmen opened fire on Karm al-Jabal settlement from the positions near Kager el-Amash. Besides, gunmen shelled from mortars and attacked Syrian army units near al-Tamura village, the general added.

"In some cases, militant armed groups operated from the territory within the boundaries of the areas whose exact locations were passed to the Russian side by the American partners on February 27, 2016. As you know, the units that agreed to stop fighting are to be there," Kuralenko said.

Truce in Syria largely holds

The ceasefire regime in Syria largely holds, the head of the Russian center for reconciliation of the warring parties in Syria, Kuralenko went on to say.

"The ceasefire regime between the government troops and opposition forces on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic is observed on the whole," the general said.

He reminded reporters that a ceasefire agreement was earlier signed with a field commander of Jaysh al-Islam group controlling the settlement of Ruheiba in Damascus province. A similar agreement was signed with five commanders of moderate opposition groups in Daraa province.

"Talks continue with leaders of four more armed opposition groups, stationed in the provinces of Damascus, Daraa and Homs. Preliminary agreements on a ceasefire have been reached with the elders of two settlements in Hama province," Kuralenko said.

On Thursday, the Russian center for reconciliation said the number of ceasefire agreements signed by the warring sides in Syria had reached 44, and negotiations continued with the leaders of five armed groups in three provinces.

The ceasefire in Syria came into effect on February 27. The truce does not apply to the Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra extremist groups (banned in Russia) and other groups designated as terrorist organizations by the UN Security Council.

Turkey supports terrorists, responsible for fighting in Syria

Turkey bears full responsibility for continued fighting in the Syrian provinces of Idlib and Aleppo by supporting terrorists with weapons and ammunition, Head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation in Syria continued.

"It is the Turkish side that is fully responsible today for the continued fighting in the provinces of Idlib and Aleppo that prevents the quickest reconciliation and restoration of peace in these areas," the Russian general said.

According to him, this is "understandable and visible for all who want to understand and see," including for the "US-led coalition."

"Convoys of heavy-duty vehicles with supplies and weapons are moving actually day and night from the territory of the Turkish Republic through the border and are heading exclusively for the areas controlled by the Jabhat al-Nusra and Ahrar ash-Sham terrorist organizations," the general said.

Also, the positions of Kurds fighting against Jabhat al-Nusra militants continue to be shelled from the territory of the Turkish border post near the settlement of Yanankey, the Russian general said earlier on Friday.

Russia has been carrying out an anti-terror operation in Syria since September 30, 2015 at the request of Syrian President Bashar Assad. The Russian air task force is operating against militants in Syria. Some strikes against terrorists were delivered by the Russian Navy.

[Source: Itar Tass, Latakia, 04Mar16]

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