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22Sep16


Russia does not rule out strikes against Jaysh al-Islam and Ahrar Al-Sham


Chances to implement the agreement on Syria reached with the US have diminished after the incidents of the past few days, but there is no alternative to it," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told reporters on Thursday.

"Developments of the past few days is a direct blow to the agreement," he said. "Chances for implementing the agreement have declined, but there is no alternative to it. Work must be boosted," he said.

"We are not walking out of that agreement. On the contrary, we believe that the events of the past few days underscored its super-relevance," he said. "Regrettably, the agreement has too many opponents, if not foes. We cannot but watch with alarm and concern the agreement being defied by a number of actors."

The diplomat has urged the US to take measures to keep the agreement on Syria afloat.

"We should not put the carrier before the horse, but sit down calmly and look what has to be done to keep the agreements afloat, how to give them a new lease of life, as we see no alternative in this sphere," the high-ranking diplomat told reporters.

Strikes against groups that merge with IS

According to Ryabkov, Russia does not rule out strikes against groups that have merged with the terrorist organization Islamic State (outlawed in Russia).

"We are witnesses to the continuing merger of these groups [Jaysh al-Islam and Ahrar Al-Sham - TASS] with the organizations that have been universally recognized as terrorist. It goes without saying that the task of struggle against terrorism remains a key one for us," he said, when asked if these groups might now be regarded as legitimate targets for the Russians Aerospace Force. "I would not rule out any options in that sphere. But normalization of the situation requires implementation of what has been agreed on."

US proposal on banning flights in Syria

Moscow also believes that Washington's proposal on banning flights in Syria can't be working.

"I think this reflects Washington's position on the responsibility of Damascus and as they claim of the Russian side for the strike on the humanitarian convoy," Ryabkov said, commenting on the US proposal to ban all flights in Syria.

The US came to this conclusion without carrying out a proper investigation into the incident and found those to be blamed for it, he added. "This scheme was proposed, but it cannot work," Ryabkov stressed.

[Source: Itar Tass, Moscow, 22Sep16]

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