Iranian, Russian FMs Confer on Syria Ceasefire
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, exchanged views about the latest developments in war-hit Syria and efforts to implement a comprehensive ceasefire across the Arab country.
In a telephone conversation on Thursday, Zarif and Lavrov underlined that Tehran and Moscow welcome the establishment of ceasefire in Syria.
The two top diplomats also called for continued fight against terrorist groups operating in Syria, Daesh (ISIS or ISIL) and Jabhat al-Nusra in particular.
Zarif and Lavrov also agreed to continue consultations within the framework of trilateral cooperation among Iran, Russia and Turkey aimed at brokering peace talks between the Syrian government and so called moderate opposition groups.
According to media reports, a new ceasefire plan was preceded by trilateral talks between Tehran, Moscow and Ankara.
Last week’s talks, which was conducted among the three countries at the level of foreign and defense ministers, resulted in a declaration which outlined the principles of a potential ceasefire.
“Iran, Russia and Turkey are ready to facilitate the drafting of an agreement, which is already being negotiated, between the Syrian government and the opposition, and to become its guarantors,” the document signed in Moscow on December 20 read.
