Syria Crisis: US Suspends Contact, Collaboration with Russia
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The United States broke off talks with Russia on implementing a ceasefire agreement in Syria, the US State Department said late on Monday.
"The United States is suspending its participation in bilateral channels with Russia that were established to sustain the Cessation of Hostilities," said the statement from Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson John Kirby.
"The United States spared no effort in negotiating and attempting to implement an arrangement with Russia aimed at reducing violence, providing unhindered humanitarian access, and degrading terrorist organizations operating in Syria, including Daesh and al Qaeda in Syria."
Since the announcement of a ceasefire in September, both Russia and the United States have traded accusations of violation of the truce, TeleSUR reported.
Moscow and Damascus were particularly angered by the US bombing of a Syrian military barrack that left more than 60 dead and hundreds injured. The United States issued an apology and committed to compensate the families of the killed soldiers.
Washington also announced that it would withdraw personnel for the "possible establishment of the Joint Implementation Center," which was meant to oversee the ceasefire.
"To ensure the safety of our respective military personnel and enable the fight against Daesh, the United States will continue to utilize the channel of communications established with Russia to de-conflict counterterrorism operations in Syria," the statement concluded.
